THE 


FRUIT  CULTIVATOR'S  MANUAL, 


CONTAINING  AMPLE 

:  '      •    n;w  " 

>„   '   n     '    ,    ,',,,     ,'    ,'          .^i    «\,       '    '••     »     .„ 

FOR    THE 

CULTIVATION  OF  THE   MOST  IMPORTANT  FRUITS 

INCLUDING    THE 

CRANBERRY,  THE   FIG,  AND   GRAPE, 

WITH  DESCRlPriVE  LISTS  OF  THE   MOST  ADMIRED  VARIETIES. 

AND  A  CALENDAR, 

SHOWING  THE  WORK    NECESSARY  TO  BE  DONE  IN  THE    ORCHARD  AND 
FRUIT  GARDEN  EVERY  MONTH  OF  THE  YEAR. 

THE    WHOLE    ADAPTED    TO    THE    CLIMATE    OF    THE    UNITED    8TAT33. 

BY   THOMAS  J^RIDGEMAN, 

Gardener.  Seedsman,  and  Florist. 
NEW-YORK: 

FOR  SALE  BY  THE  AUTHOR,  BROADWAY,  CORNER  OF  EIGHTEENTH  STREET, 
J.  M.  Thorhurn  &  Co.,  15  John-street,  Alex.  Smith,  388  Broadway,  Dnnlnp  &.  Thompson, 
Broadway,  N.  Y.  ;  Win.  Th  >rlmrn,  Brood  way.  Allmny  ;  C.  F.  Crwman,  Rochester  :  Ho- 
vey  &  Co.,  Joseph  Breck  &  Co.,  J.  L.  I,.  F.  W>irreri,  Walker  &  Co.,  Boston;  David 
Lnndreth,  H.  A.  Dreer,  R  .bort  B  list,  Philndr  Iphi-i  ;  Gibson  &  Ritchi>,  Newark,  N.  J.  • 
R.  Sincl'tir,  Jr.,fe  Co..  Baltimore  :  J.  F.  Cnl!an,  Washington  City  ;  Henry  Cook,  Alex 
nndria,  D.  C.  :  Frederi<-k  Wittuenn,  Chnr!esto-i,  S.  C  ;  M-.sely&Co..  M-hile;  Wru 
Dinn,  New  Orlpan-<  ;  J.i*.  M.  ThorSurn,  Sr.  Lonis  ;  Ely  &  Campbell,  H.  Huxley,  Cin- 
cinnati ;  Chnrles  A.  P"ti!>')<]y.  Column-is,  Ga.  ;  A.  G.  Mann,  Louisville,  Ky.  ;  ami  othe' 
Seedsmen.  —  Also,  by  Booksellers  in  general. 

1847. 

Printed  by  A.  llualbrd,  58  Nassau-stree* 


184/ 


MAIM 


[Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  Eighteen  Hundred 
and  Forty-seven  by  THOMAS  BRIDGEMAIT,  in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  Dis- 
trict Court  of  the  United  States,  for  the  Southern  District  of  New-York.] 


PREFACE. 

THIS  treatise  forms  the  third  part  of  "  The  Young  Gar- 
dener's Assistant,"  which,  when  first  issued,  in  1829,  con- 
tained only  96  pages.  Since  that  period,  so  constant  has 
been  the  demand  for  the  work,  that  numerous  editions  have 
been  published  ;  and  being  made  to  embrace  the  three  most 
important  branches  of  gardening,  the  entire  work  has 
extended  to  upward  of  five  hundred  pages.  As  each  branch 
forms  a  distinct  subject,  the  author  has  been  induced  to  pub- 
lish the  ninth  edition  in  three  separate  volumes,  each  of 
which  is  complete  in  itself.  The  first  contains  ample  direc- 
tions for  the  cultivation  of  culinary  vegetables  and  herbs;  the 
second  is  designed  for  the  cultivator  of  flowers ;  and  the 
present  volume  is  intended  to  qualify  the  reader  for  the 
superintendence  of  his  own  orchard  and  fruit  garden. 

Those  who  wish  to  obtain  a  book  embracing  the  three 
subjects,  can  be  accommodated  with  the  tenth  edition  of  the 
Young  Gardener's  Assistant,  in  octavo  form,  and  which  is 
destined  to  remain  for  some  time  to  come,  the  American 
standard  work  on  Horticulture  in  general. 

It  is  presumed  that  the  pomologist  will  find  in  this  little 
volume  more  information  on  the  subject  than  he  could  rea- 
sonably expect  in  so  small  a  compass.  All  the  most  esteemed 
species  of  fruit  are  treated  of  under  distinct  heads,  to  which 
is  added  a  descriptive  list  of  the  finest  varieties  under  culti- 
vation ;  and  from  the  several  descriptive  lists  of  fruits  having 
been  selected  from  the  catalogues  of  the  most  eminent  nur- 
serymen in  our  country,  it  is  presumed  that  they  are  well 
calculated  to  suit  the  generality  of  cultivators. 

The  varieties  of  the  different  species  of  fiuit  under  culti 
vation  are  by  far  too  numerous  to  encourage  any  attempt  to 
publish  a  complete  description  of  all.  Even  to  enumerate 
them  would  be  a  difficult  task,  owing  to  the  gieat  uncer- 
tainty of  their  true  names,  and  the  multiplicity  of  names 

667859 


U  PREFACE. 

under  which  they  are  known  in  different  places.  Those 
cultivators  who  are  more  anxious  to  raise  large  quantities  of 
trees  for  sale,  than  to  test  their  characteristics,  are  often  led 
into  error  by  cherishing  the  belief  that  the  names  of  all  the 
varieties  they  propagate  are  indisputably  correct ;  and  hence 
it  is  that  so  many  of  our  fruits  are  frequently  sold  under 
wrong  names.  Persons  who  purchase  trees  under  such  cir- 
cumstances, on  discovering  a  mistake,  are  apt  to  compare 
the  fruit  with  others  of  a  similar  character,  and  very  fre- 
quently adopt  synonymous  names,  which  increases  the  evil 
to  such  an  extent,  that,  unless  a  nurseryman  tests  all  the 
various  kinds  by  specimen  trees  kept  for  the  purpose  in  his 
own  orchard,  he  cannot  always  be  certain  what  variety  he  is 
selling.  I  do  not,  however,  by  these  remarks  intend  to 
reflect  on  any  of  our  respectable  nurserymen,  because  tho 
vast  improvement  making  every  year  in  their  catalogues  is 
a  convincing  proof  that  they  are  aiming  at  perfection  in  their 
collections. 

In  the  following  pages  I  have  endeavoured  to  do  justice  to 
each  article,  by  embodying  all  the  essential  points  of  cultiva- 
tion, and  as  our  native  vines  are  destined  to  become  very 
generally  cultivated  in  the  United  States,  I  have  occupied 
over  sixteen  pages  in  treating  of  vine  culture,  and  can  truly 
say  that  I  have  thoroughly  weighed  every  point  before  put- 
ting my  pen  to  paper,  and  have  not  in  any  case  adopted 
mere  speculative  theory,  as  is  too  often  done  by  compilers 
of  gardening  books. 

As  I  am  not  disposed  to  tire  the  reader  with  a  lengthy 
preface,  I  shall  conclude  by  reminding  him  that  the  Calen 
dar  and  Index  is  intended  as  a  key  to  the  body  of  the  work ; 
thus,  the  most  important  business  of  each  month  is  briefly 
shown,  with  figures  of  reference  to  that  particular  page 
which  treats  more  fully  on  the  subject.  The  advantages  of 
this  plan  must  bt>  evident  to  the  most  superficial  observer. 

T.  BRIDGEMAN. 


CONTENTS. 


OBSERVATIONS  OX  THE  ORCHARD  AND  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

Page. 

Suggestions  on  the  choice  of  a  situation  for  an  orchard,  7 
Of  the  best  methods  of  preparing  the  various  kinds  of  soil,  8 
Directions  for  transplanting  fruit  trees,  ...  9 
A  communication  from  a  friend,  showing  his  plan  of 

replanting  trees,  -  -     11 

Hints  on  the  arrangement  of  trees,  with  a  view  to  ob- 
tain successional  crops  of  fruit. — Different  soils 
described,  suited  to  the  various  kinds  of  fruit,  -  12 


OBSERVATIONS  ON  INSECTS  AND  DISEASES  TO  WHICH 
FRUIT  TREES  ARE  LIABLE. 

Remedies  for  the  prevention  and  destruction  of  insects,     13 
The  best  methods  of  curing  diseases  in  fruit  trees,        -     14 
Composition  to  be  used  as  a  wash  for  fruit  trees,  at 

the  time  of  pruning,     ------     16 

Some  of  the  most  annoying  insects  and  reptiles  described,     16 
An  earnest  appeal  to  all  agriculturists  and  horticultu- 
rists, showing  the  importance  of  encouraging  the 
inhabitants  of  cities  to  preserve  their    ashes  and 
soot  in  a  dry  state,  for  use  on  the  land,          -         -     17 

OBSERVATIONS  ON  TRAINING  AND  PRUNING  FRUIT 

TREES  AND  VINKS. 

The  primary  object  of  pruning  explained,     -         -         -     21 
Several  methods  described  of  pruning  and  training  the 

vine,  &c.      -  -     22 

The  benefits  arising  from  judicious  pruning,         -         -     23 
Necessary  Implements  for  pruning,  &c.       -        -        -     24 


n  CONTENTS. 

BUDDING  AND  GRAFTING  FRUIT  TREES. 

Paee. 

Information  respecting  the  time  and  manner  of  budding 

fruit  trees,   --------25 

On  the  choice  of  scions,  arid  mode  of  preparing  the  stocks,     27 

Cleft  Grafting,  Side  Grafting,  and  Whip  Grafting  ex- 
plained,       -  -     28 

Saddle  Grafting,  Root  Grafting,  and  Grafting  by  Ap- 
proach, defined,  -  -     29 

Directions  for  making  Forsyth's  composition,        -         -     30 

Recipes  for  preparing  liquids  for  washing  the  stems  and 

branches  of  trees,          -  31 

Instructions  for  making  grafting-clay  and  composition,       32 

ON  THE  CHOICE  OF  FRUIT  TREES  IN  THE  NURSERY. 
Rules  for  judging  the  qualities  of  fruit  trees,         -         -  33 
Directions  for  the  management  of  Stone  Fruits,  to  pre- 
vent their  gumming  at  the  roots,  -                             -  34 
A  guide  to  the  selection  of  distinct  varieties  of  fruit,      -  35 
APPLE.     Its  history,  cultivation,  propagation,  &c.           -  37 
Seventy-six  of  the  choicest  varieties  of  Apples  described,  39 
APRICOT.     The  best  method  of  training,  pruning,  &c. 

explained,    --------46 

Select  descriptive  list  of  Apricots,                   -         -         -  49 
ALMOND.     Its  history,  mode  of  culture,  &c.           -  50 
CHERRY.     The  various  kinds  enumerated,  with  direc- 
tions for  their  cultivation,     -                                     -  51 
Thirty-one  of  the  most  esteemed  varieties  described,    -  53 
CHESTNUT.     Its  durability  and  other  peculiar  charac- 
teristics adverted  to,     -v                                             -  56 
CRANBERRY.     Its  adaptation  for  garden  culture  exem- 
plified,               '•'«•*'••     -----         T  57 

CURRANT.     The  best  mode  of  cultivation  shown,  -         -  58 

Select  descriptive  list  of  Currants,        -         -         r         -  60 
FIG.     A  fruit  well  calculated  for  cultivation  in  the  United 

States,         »»-»»»»-  6J 


CONTENTS  m 

P.** 

The  operation  of  Girdling  or  Ringing  Trees  explained,  68 
Seventeen  of  the  best  varieties  of  Figs  described,  -  63 
GOOSEBERRY.  Description  of  fifty-eight  of  the  most 

celebrated  varieties,      -  ....     66 

An  improved  method  of  managing  the  Goosebeny,  -  70 
GRAPE.  The  peculiar  characteristics  of  the  Grape  Vine 

defined,        -  -     72 

The  different  manures  adapted  to  the  vine  enumerated,     75 
On  the  various  methods  of  propagating,  grafting,  &c.    -     76 
Select  descriptive  list  of  foreign  and  native  grapes,       -     77 
Doctor  G.  W.  Chapman's  and   Mr.  Wm.  Wilson's  suc- 
.       cessful  experiments  on  their  vines,         -         -  79 

Edward  H.  Bonsall's  Vineyard  Culture  explained,  *  -  80 
Doctor  R.  T.  Underbill's  account  of  his  vineyard  at 

Croton  Point,       -         -  ....     83 

Concluding  observations  on  training,  pruning,  and  cul- 
tivating the  vine,  -  85 
MULBERRY.     Some  of  the  most  useful  species  described, 

with  directions  for  their  propagation  and  cultivation,     88 
NECTARINE.     Important  hints,  calculated  to  give   this 
scarce  but  delicious  fruit  the  best  possible  chance 
of  success,  if  strictly  attended  to,  -  91 

Select  descriptive  list  of  Nectarines,  -  -  -  -  94 
ORANGE,  LEMON,  &c.  The  several  species  of  this  fruit 

enumerated,  &c.  -     96 

PEACH.     An  elaborate  review  of  the  means  best  calcu- 
lated to  overcome  the  difficulties  attending  the  cul- 
tivation of  this  important  fruit,      -         -         -  98 
Sixty-one  of  the  best  varieties  of  Peaches  described,    -  105 
PEAR.     A  definition  of  the   different  qualities  of  this 
fruit,  with  directions  for  its  propagation  and  culti- 
vation,                                                                     -         •  HI 
Observations  on  the  alleged  deterioration  of  the  Pear, 

and  other  fruits,  -  *  113 

Eighty-eight  of  the  most  esteemed  varieties  of  the  Pear 

described,    -        -         -        »        »        *        ?        »  115 


iv  CONTENTS. 

Pag* 

PLUM.  The  means  best  adapted  for  the  perfection  of 

this  fruit  explained,  -  ...  124 

Fifty-three  of  the  finest  vaiieties  of  Plums  described,    -  126 

QUINCE.  Its  history,  its  use,  and  method  of  culture  ex- 
plained, --------  131 

RASPBERRY.  All  the  most  celebrated  species  and  varie- 
ties enumerated,  ------  132 

Select  descriptive  list  of  Raspberries,  -         -         -         -  135 

STRAWBERRY.  The  valuable  properties  of  the  Straw- 
berry, with  directions  for  its  cultivation,  -  -  136 

A  descriptive  list  of  the  most  esteemed  species  and 

varieties  of  Strawberries, 138 

WALNUT.     Its  use  both  as  a  fruit  and  timber  tree,         -  140 

CALENDAR  AND  INDEX. 

JANUARY. — An  essay  on  the  importance  of  improving 
the  various  species  of  fruit,  by  propagating  none 
but  the  finest  specimens  for  seed,  and  by  amelio- 
rating the  existing  kinds  by  Cross  Fertilization ; 
which  process  is  explained  in  a  clear  and  compre- 
hensive manner,  ------  143 

FEBRUARY. — An  attempt  to  prepare  the  young  gardener 
for  the  timely  performance  of  his  work  in  the  or- 
chard and  fruit  garden,  in  a  judicious  manner,  by 
directing  his  attention  to  such  business  as  can  be 
done  in  unfavourable  weather,  that  he  may  be  en- 
abled to  give  prompt  attention  to  other  important 
business  before  the  rise  of  the  sap,  and  thus  prevent 
much  anxiety  and  labour, 147 

MARCH. — Directions  for  pruning  Grape  Vines,  and  Ap- 
ple, Cherry,  Pear,  and  Quince  Trees;  for  culti- 
vating Cranberries,  Currants,  Gooseberries,  Rasp- 
berries, &c.;  for  preparing  the  ground  for  the 
reception  of  all  kinds  of  fruit  trees  as  soon  as  the 
weather  becomes  favourable  ;  for  supporting  newly 
planted  trees  by  means  of  stakes,  &c.  ...  149 


CONTENTS.  T 

Pa»e. 

APRIL. — Attention  is  directed  to  the  pruning  of  fruit 
trees,  including  Apricot,  Almond,  Fig,  Mulberry, 
Nectarine,  Peach,  Plum,  &c.;  also,  to  the  cultiva- 
tion and  propagation  of  trees,  shrubs,  and  vines,  by 
cuttings,  layers,  grafting,  arid  other  methods,  •  151 

MAY. — The  gardener  is  reminded  of  the  importance  oi 
finishing  the  work  that  was  left  undone  last  month 
without  further  delay ;  and  of  attending  to  the  de- 
struction of  insects  while  in  a  torpid  state,  arid  the 
preservation  of  the  Gooseberry  and  other  fruits 
from  mildew.  By  cultivating  Raspberries  and 
Strawberries  as  directed  in  Apiil  and  June,  such 
fruits  may  be  produced  at  a  late  season.  -  -  153 

JUNE. — The  business  of  this  month  in  the  fruit  garden 
consists  of  summer  pruning,  clearing  the  trees  and 
vines  of  dead  leaves  arid  insects,  and  of  protecting 
and  cultivating  early  fruit  to  promote  its  ripening 
in  full  perfection,  -  -  155 

JULY. — Remedies  for  the  protection  of  fruit  from  birds 
and  ants,  and  for  preserving  Grape  Vines  from 
mildew.  Judicious  summer  pruning,  and  atten- 
tion to  Figs,  Vines,  &c.,  recommended,  -  -  156 

AUGUST. — As  insects  are  engendered  in  vast  quantities 
by  the  heat  of  our  summers,  the  attention  of  gar- 
deners is  directed  to  the  use  of  bitter  and  acrid 
substances,  which  being  made  into  a  compost,  is 
calculated  to  improve  the  land,  as  well  as  to  destroy 
insects,  -  -  158 

SEPTEMBER. — The  subject  treated  of  under  this  month 
relates  chiefly  to  the  rejection  of  various  fruits,  by 
many  cultivators,  and  to  the  propensity  of  some 
persons  to  neglect  old  inmates  of  the  garden  for 
the  sake  of  trying  other  varieties,  merely  because 
they  are  new,  ,-..---  160 


VI  CONTENTS. 

OCTOBER. — It  is  suggested  that  attention  bo  paid  to  the 
careful  gathering  of  fruit,  while  in  a  perfect  state; 
also  to  the  preservation  of  Grapes,  &c.  Directions 
for  planting  the  pits  of  Cherry,  Peach,  Plum,  &c., 
and  the  kernels  (if  Apple,  Pear,  and  Quince ;  also 
for  preparing  the  ground  for  the  reception  of  all 
kinds  of  hardy  fruit  trees  on  the  decline  of  the  sap,  162 

NOVEMBER. — As  winter  is  fast  approaching,  it  is  recom- 
mended to  protect  tender  vines,  trees,  shrubs,  and 
plants,  including  Raspberry,  Fig,  Strawberry 
Plants,  &c.;  and  to  plant  hardy  fruit  trees  while 
the  land  is  susceptible  of  being  tilled,  -  163 

DECEMBER. — At  all  favourable  opportunities  during  this 
month  the  gardener  is  directed  to  prune  hardy  fruit 
trees,  to  scrape  off  all  the  moss  and  canker,  and  to 
wash  the  stems  and  branches  with  a  liquid  pre- 
pared according  to  a  recipe  given,  ...  164 

AN  ADDRESS  TO  THE  PEOPLE  OP  THE  UNITED  STATES 
on  the  subject  of  an  alleged  discovery  on  Terra- 
Culture,  submitted  to  the  attention  of  the  25th  and 
26th  Congress,  -  -  165 

A  summary  view  of  estimates,  furnished  with  a  view  to 
aid  the  Seedsman  and  Gardener  in  making  out  a 
bill  of  seed,  for  the  purpose  of  planting  any  given 
quantity  of  ground,  under  the  regulations  suggested 
in  the  vegetable  department  of  the  Young  Gar- 
deners Assistant,  ......  170 


OBSERVATIONS 


OK  TE» 

'.,- 
FRUIT   GARDEN 


IN  the  preliminary  observations  on  the  subjects  already 
treated  of,  I  am  aware  that  it  may  appear  to  some  that  I 
have  not  sufficiently  urged  the  importance  of  a  judicious 
selection  of  situation,  exposure,  aspect,  soil,  &c.  My  object 
in  not  insisting  on  a  strict  attention  to  these  important  points 
was,  because  I  know  that,  though  good  land  is  abundant  in 
this  extensive  country,  it  is  impossible  for  every  one  to  choose 
for  himself;  and  rather  than  any  disadvantages  in  these 
respects  should  discourage  proprietors  of  land  from  attempt- 
ing to  raise  garden  products,  so  necessary  to  the  comfort  and 
convenience  of  every  family,  I  have  endeavoured  to  show 
them  how  to  use  to  advantage  whatever  land  may  surround 
their  places  of  abode.  As,  however,  some  have  a  choice, 
it  may  be  necessary  to  offer  some  farther  remarks  on  the 
subject. 

The  situation  of  an  Orchard  or  Fruit  Garden  should  be 
one  that  has  the  advantage  of  a  free  circulation  of  air,  and 
is  exposed  to  the  south,  with  a  slight  inclination  to  the  east 
and  southwest.  When  the  situation  is  low  and  close,  the 
trees  are  very  liable  to  become  mossy,  which  always  injures 
them,  by  closing  up  the  pores  of  the  wood  ;  they  are  also 
more  liable  to  be  affected  by  blight.  Although  having  an 
orchard  closely  pent  up  by  trees,  &c.,  is  injurious,  neverthe- 
less a  screen  of  forest  trees,  at  such  a  distance  from  the  fruit 
trees  as  that  the  latter  will  not  be  shaded  by  them,  is  of  very 
groat  service  in  protecting  the  trees  in  spring  from  severe 
cold  winds. 


8  OBSERVATIONS    ON    THE 

A  good  strong  loamy  soil,  not  too  retentive  of  moisture, 
to  the  depth  of  thirty  inches,  or  three  feet,  is  most  suitable 
for  an  orchard.  Great  attention  must  be  paid  to  the  sub- 
stratum, as  the  ground  inusfr  be  well  drained ;  for  if  the  top 
soil  be  ever.' so  gp«d,  apd;-  0?$  bottom  wet,  it  is  very  rarely 
the  ca^e  tha£  jhe^rees  .prosper  mzmy  years ;  they  soon  begin 
to  bQ  '4teeas;e((  iafod  'g<X  to;  decay/  As  it  is  so  indispensably 
necessary  to  the  success  of  fruit  trees  that  the  bottom  should 
be  dry,  if  it  is  not  naturally  so,  it  must  be  made  so  by  judi- 
cious diaining. 

When  it  is  necessary  to  make  the  bottom  dry  by  draining, 
it  must  be  done  some  time  before  the  trees  are  planted.  In 
performing  this  work,  the  ground  must  be  trenched,  and 
when  the  trench  is  open,  stone,  or  brick-bats,  &c.,  must  be 
laid  over  the  bottom  to  the  thickness  of  six  inches,  a  little 
coal  ashes,  or  small  gravel,  must  be  sprinkled  over  the  top 
of  the  stones,  &c.,  and  then  the  surface  gently  rolled. 
Drains  may  also  be  made  in  different  directions,  so  that  any 
excess  of  moisture  can  be  taken  entirely  away  from  the 
ground. 

It  is  well  known  to  most  cultivators,  that  exposure  of  soils 
to  the  atmosphere  greatly  improves  them,  as  is  experienced 
by  ridging  and  trenching.  Where  the  soil  is  stiff  and  stub- 
born, small  gravel,  sand,  coal  ashes,  lime,  light  animal  and 
vegetable  manure,  and  other  light  composts,  are  very  appro- 
priate substances  to  be  applied,  and  will,  if  carefully  managed 
and  well  worked  into  the  ground,  soon  bring  it  into  a  proper 
condition  for  most  purposes. 

Previous  to  laying  out  an  orchard  or  fruit  garden,  the  soil 
should  be  manured  and  pulverized  to  a  great  depth.  It 
should  be  made  sweet,  that  the  nutriment  which  the  roots 
receive  may  be  wholesome ;  free,  that  they  may  be  at  full 
liberty  to  range  in  quest  of  it ;  and  rich,  that  there  may  be 
no  defect  in  food. 

If  orchards  are  made  from  meadows  or  pasture  lands,  the 
ground  should  be  improved  as  much  as  possible  by  manur- 


ORCHARD  AND  FRUIT  GARDEN.  9 

ing,  trenching,  ploughing,  &c.  If  this  is  not  done  to  its  full 
extent,  it  should  be  done  in  strips  of  at  least  six  feet  in  width 
along  where  the  fruit  trees  are  to  be  planted,  and  at  the  time 
of  planting  let  the  holes  be  dug  somewhat  larger  than  is 
sufficient  to  admit  the  roots  in  their  natural  position,  and  of 
sufficient  depth  to  allow  of  a  foot  of  rich  and  well-pulverized 
mould  to  be  thrown  in  before  the  trees  are  planted. 

In  transplanting  trees,  they  should  not  be  placed  more  than 
an  inch  or  two  deeper  than  they  were  in  the  nursery  bed,  and 
the  earth  intended  for  filling  in  should  be  enriched  and  well 
pulverized  by  mixing  in  some  good  old  manure  ;  and  if  any 
leaves,  decayed  brush,  rotten  wood,  potato  tops,  or  other 
refuse  of  a  farm,  are  attainable,  let  such  be  used  around  the 
trees  in  filling,  taking  care  that  the  best  pulverized  mould  is 
admitted  among  the  fine  roots.  The  trees  in  planting  should 
be  kept  at  ease,  and  several  times  shaken,  so  as  to  cause  an 
equal  distribution  of  the  finer  particles  of  earth  to  be  con- 
nected with  the  small  fibres  of  the  roots  ;  and  when  com- 
pletely levelled,  let  the  ground  be  well  trodden  down  and 
moderately  watered,  which  should  be  repeated  occasionally 
after  spring  planting,  if  the  weather  should  prove  dry. 

As  some  difference  of  opinion  exists  among  practical  men 
as  to  the  best  time  for  planting  fruit  trees,  the  following 
extract  from  Mr.  Prince's  Treatise  on  Horticulture  is  sub- 
mitted : 

"  SEASONS  FOR  TRANSPLANTING.  Spring  is  the  season 
when  we  find  the  most  pleasure  in  making  our  rural  improve- 
ments, and  from  this  circumstance,  probably,  it  has  become 
the  general  season  for  planting  trees ;  but  experience  has 
proved  autumn  planting  to  be  the  most  successful,  especially 
in  those  parts  of  the  United  States  which  are  subject  to 
droughts,  as  trees  planted  in  autumn  suffer  little  or  none 
from  drought,  when  those  set  out  in  spring  often  perish  in 
consequence  of  it.  Notwithstanding,  with  regard  to  those 
fruits  that  have  been  originally  brought  from  warmer  cli- 


10  OBSERVATIONS    ON    THE 

mates,  such  as  the  Peach,  Apricot,  Nectarine,  and  Almond, 
which  are  natives  of  Persia,  Armenia,  &c.,  it  is  necessary 
for  us  to  consult  the  operations  of  climate  also ;  and,  from 
a  consideration  of  those  attendant  circumstances,  I  have 
come  to  the  following  conclusions  :  In  localities  south  of 
New- York,  autumn  planting  is  preferable  only  for  the  Apple, 
Pear,  Plum,  Cherry,  Quince,  and  all  other  trees  of  northern 
latitude;  whereas,  the  spring  is  to  be  preferred  for  the 
Peach,  Apricot,  Nectarine,  and  Almond,  which,  for  the 
reasons  before  stated,  might,  during  severe  winters,  suffer 
fiom  the  intensity  of  the  frosts.  Still  I  do  not  mean  to 
assert,  that  trees  of  those  kinds  are  certain  to  be  injured  by 
the  winter,  as  in  very  many  seasons  they  are  not  in  the  least 
affected ;  still  they  are  exposed  to  vicissitudes  which  may  or 
may  not  occur.  Many  gentlemen,  however,  of  excellent 
judgment,  make  their  plantations  in  the  autumn,  which  only 
serves  to  prove,  that  even  in  the  most  intelligent  minds  a 
diversity  of  opinion  exists. 

"  TREES,  ETC.,  ON  THEIR  ARRIVAL  AT  THE  PLACE  OP  DES- 
TINATION. As  soon  as  the  trees  arrive  at  the  place  where 
they  are  to  be  planted,  let  a  trench  be  dug  in  cultivated 
ground,  the  bundles  unpacked,  the  roots  well  wetted,  and 
immediately  covered  with  earth  in  the  trench,  observing  to 
make  the  earth  fine  that  is  spread  over  them,  so  as  not  to 
leave  vacancies  for  the  admission  of  air  to  dry  the  roots,  it 
having  been  found  by  experience  that  the  thriftiness  of  trees 
the  first  year  after  transplanting,  depends  much  on  the  fine 
fibres  of  the  roots  being  kept  moist,  and  not  suffered  to  dry 
from  the  time  they  are  taken  up  until  they  are  replanted  ; 
their  increase,  therefore,  must  depend  principally  on  the 
subsequent  management  on  their  arrival  at  the  place  of  des- 
tination;  for  if,  when  the  bundles  are  unpacked,  the  trees 
are  carelessly  exposed  to  drying  winds,  the  young  fibres  of 
the  roots  must  perish,  and  the  trees,  if  they  live  at  all,  can- 
not thrive  the  first  season,  as  they  can  receive  little  or  no 
nourishment  until  these  fibres  are  replaced. 


ORCHARD    AND    FRUIT    GARDEN.  H 

"  To  CAUSE  THE  TREES  TO  THRIVE.  The  ground  where 
they  are  planted  must  be  kept  cultivated ;  young  trees  will 
not  thrive  if  the  grass  be  permitted  to  form  a  sod  around 
them ;  and  if  it  should  be  necessary  to  plant  them  in  grass 
grounds,  care  must  be  taken  to  keep  the  earth  mellow  and 
free  from  grass  for  three  or  four  feet  distant  around  them, 
and  every  autumn  some  well-rotted  manure  should  be  dug 
in  around  each  tree,  and  every  spring  the  bodies  of  the 
Apple,  Pear,  Plum,  and  Cherry  trees,  and  others  that  it  is 
particularly  desirable  to  promote  the  growth  of,  should  bo 
brushed  over  with  common  soft  soap,  undiluted  with  water ; 
this  treatment  will  give  a  thriftiness  to  the  trees  surpassing 
the  expectation  of  any  one  who  has  not  witnessed  its  effect. 
Should  the  first  season  after  transplanting  prove  dry,  regular 
watering  will  be  necessary,  as  from  neglect  of  proper  atten- 
tion in  this  respect,  many  lose  a  large  portion  of  their  trees 
during  a  drought  "* 

Such  kinds  of  fruit  trees  treated  on  in  this  work,  as  may 
require  any  other  than  good  ordinary  soil,  may  be  supplied, 

*  The  following  letter  was  received  by  the  Author  while  he  was  pre- 
paring the  copy  fur  the  ninth  edition  of  this  work  : 

"  In  reading  your  very  useful  and  entertaining  work  on  Gardening, 
Planting  Trees,  and  otherwise,  I  need  not  say,  to  me,  it  contained  much 
that  was  new,  original,  and  very  useful ;  yet,  complete  as  is  your  admirable 
work,  I  found  not  therein  one  circumstance  connected  with  replanting 
trees,  of  vital  importance  to  be  observed,  particularly  with  those  trees 
which  have  attained  several  years'  growth,  say  trees  from  fifteen  to  twenty 
feet  high,  and  from  three  to  five  inches  diameter.  Some  seven  or  eight  feet 
above  the  root,  that  is  to  say,  at  the  time  of  digging  up  the  tree,  a  mark 
should  be  made  on  the  north  or  south  side  of  the  tree ;  and  on  replanting 
the  same,  it  should  be  set  into  the  ground  as  nearly  as  possible  in  the  same 
position  to  the  sun  (north  or  south)  as  it  occupied  before  taken  up,  other- 
wise the  tree  will  not  be  so  thrifty  ;  if  its  sides  are  changed,  it  not  unfre- 
quently  appears  sickly,  and  ultimately  dies.  Over  twenty  years'  experi- 
ence in  replanting  some  thousands  of  hard  and  soft  Maple,  Elm,  and 
others,  enables  me  to  speak  positively  on  this  precaution.  Whenever  the 
community  calls  for  another  edition  of  your  work,  in  that  part  relating  to 
Replanting  Trees,  if  you  deem  the  above  suitable  for  insertion  therein,  it 
might  assist  many  who  have  not  this  knowledge,  and  oblige, 

"  Yours  with  esteem,  JOHN  CLOWES,  C.  E." 


12  ORCHARD  AND  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

by  judicious  management ;  and  if  a  proper  attention  be  paid 
to  the  situation  and  aspect  in  arranging  a  fruit  garden,  each 
kind  may  be  so  accommodated  as  to  promote  its  fruits'  ripen- 
ing earlier  or  later  than  the  ordinary  season,  by  varying  the 
aspect ;  but  Grape  Vines,  or  other  tender  fruits,  should  not 
be  planted  where  the  sun's  influence  does  not  fully  operate. 

Where  there  is  a  great  extent  of  close  fencing  or  wall,  it 
is  advisable  to  plant  trees  of  the  same  kind  against  different 
aspects.  Such  as  one  or  two  May  Duke  Cherries  against  a 
southern  aspect,  which  will  ripen  earliest ;  next,  against  either 
an  eastern  or  western  ;  and  lastly,  against  a  northern  aspect; 
by  observing  this  method  with  Dwarf  Cherries,  Plums, 
Gooseberries,  Currants,  &c.,  the  fruit  will  ripen  in  succes- 
sion, and  thus  a  supply  is  considerably  lengthened.  The  early 
blooming  fruit  trees  will  sometimes  need  protection  in  warm 
aspects ;  for  which  arrangements  may  be  made  by  keeping 
awning,  matting,  netting,  &c.,  at  hand,  to  shelter  them  with 
in  threatening  weather,  or  to  screen  them  from  the  intense 
heat  of  the  sun  after  a  frosty  night  j  this,  with  a  sprinkling 
of  water,  as  the  air  gets  warm,  will  often  prevent  any  serious 
consequences  from  slight  frost. 

Those  who  have  various  soils,  should  suit  them  to  the  dif- 
ferent kinds  of  fruit.  Apples  and  Pears  require  a  strong 
loam,  but  the  Pear  rather  the  lightest.  Apricots,  Cherries, 
Peaches,  Plums,  and  Nectarines,  a  good  deal  lighter  than  the 
Apple  and  Pear.  Such  fruits  as  may  require  peat,  bog,  or 
any  other  extraordinary  kinds  of  earth,  will  be  noticed  aa 
we  proceed. 


13 


OBSERVATIONS  ON  INSECTS, 


AND 


DISEASES   TO   WHICH  FRUIT  TREES  ARE  LIABLE. 


MUCH  may  be  written  relative  to  the  various  diseases  to 
which  fruit  trees  are  liable,  and  also  to  the  prevention  and 
destruction  of  the  various  kinds  of  reptiles  and  insects,  which 
very  frequently  deprive  us  of  the  first  fruits  of  our  garden. 
The  preventive  operations  are  those  of  the  best  culture. 
Autumn  ploughing,  by  exposing  worms,  grubs,  the  larvae  of 
bugs,  beetles,  &c.,  to  the  intense  frost  of  our  winters,  and 
the  moderate  use  of  salt,  lime,  ashes,  &c.,  are  beneficial. 
Insects  may  be  annoyed,  and  sometimes  their  complete 
destruction  effected,  by  the  use  of  soapsuds,  lye,  tar,  turpen- 
tine, sulphur,  pepper,  soot,  decoction  of  elder,  walnut  leaves, 
tobacco,  and  other  bitter  and  acrid  substances ;  but  perhaps 
the  most  effectual  way  of  keeping  some  of  the  most  perni- 
cious kinds  of  insects  under,  is  to  gather  up  such  fruit  as 
may  fall  from  the  trees,  before  the  insects  have  an  opportu- 
nity of  escaping  into  the  earth,  or  to  other  places  of  shelter 

Where  trees  are  planted  in  a  bad  soil,  or  unfavourable 
situations,  they  often  become  diseased ;  when  this  happens, 
the  best  remedy  is  good  pruning,  and  keeping  the  trees 
clean  by  a  free  use  of  soap  and  water.  If  that  will  not  do, 
they  may  be  headed  down,  or  removed  to  a  better  situation. 
Barrenness  and  disease  are  generally  produced  by  the  bad 
qualities  of  tne  earth  and  air,  by  a  want  of  water,  or  by  the 
inroads  of  insects.  These  incidents  generally  show  them- 
selves in  the  early  part  of  the  year.  Leaves  and  shoots  of 
any  colour  but  the  natural  green ;  curled  and  ragged  leaves; 

2 


14  OBSERVATIONS    ON    INSECTS, 

branches  in  a  decaying  state  ;  shoots  growing  from  the  roots, 
instead  of  from  the  stem  or  trunk ;  the  stem  diseased  in  its 
bark,  the  gum  oozing  from  various  parts  thereof,  are  all 
proofs  of  the  existence  of  disease.  The  Peach  tree  is  sub- 
ject to  a  disease  called  the  yellows;  and  the  discoloured 
leaves  and  feeble  branches  are  often  ascribed  to  the  worms 
which  so  frequently  attack  the  root ;  where  these  are  found, 
they  may  be  removed  by  a  knife  or  chisel ;  but  if  it  should 
appear  that  the  tree  is  diseased,  it  should  be  removed,  to 
prevent  other  trees  from  being  infected.  The  Pear,  and 
also  the  Quince,  and  sometimes  other  trees,  are  subject  to 
the  fire  blight ;  this  malady  may  be  completely  checked  on 
its  first  appearance,  by  cutting  off  and  immediately  burning 
the  injured  branches.  Generally  speaking,  careful  pruning, 
cleaning  the  bark  all  over  with  a  brush,  applying  soap  or 
tobacco  water  to  the  leaves,  and  occasionally  putting  good 
earth  and  good  manure  to  the  roots,  will  remedy  most  dis- 
eases in  fruit  trees ;  removing  them  from  a  bad  to  a  better 
soil  will,  of  course,  effect  this,  where  it  proceeds  from  a 
poorness  of  land ;  for  the  old  adage,  "  Remove  the  cause, 
and  the  effect  will  cease,"  will  be  here  exemplified.  To 
cure  the  oozing  of  the  gum,  nothing  more  is  necessary  than 
to  cut  away  the  diseased  parts  of  the  bark  ;  and  by  thus 
assisting  nature  in  casting  out  the  excrementitious,  or  nox- 
ious juices,  a  complete  cure  may  be  effected. 

When  a  tree  is  affected  by  mildew,  let  it  be  immediately 
sprinkled  with  soapsuds,  and  then  be  dusted  over  with  sul- 
phur and  tobacco  dust,  or  snuff;  at  the  same  time,  dig 
around  the  tree,  and  examine  the  soil  and  subsoil ;  if  it  be 
wet  and  cankery,  it  should  be  taken  away,  and  replaced  with 
good  healthy  soil,  and  the  ground  drained ;  if,  on  the  coiv- 
trary,  the  ground  be  dry,  give  it  a  plentiful  watering ;  the 
same  remedy  may  serve  as  a  preventive  of  the  extension  of 
blight,  if  applied  in  time.  When  any  canker  is  observed, 
the  part  affected  must,  at  the  time  of  pruning,  be  cut  clean 
out,  and  the  part  thus  dressed  be  pared,  so  that  no  water 


AND    DISEASES    OF    FRUIT    TREES.  15 

can  lodge  in  the  wound ;  when  this  is  done,  let  a  quantity 
of  soot  be  mixed  with  water,  and  a  little  train  oil  well  worked 
among  it,  but  so  that  the  mixture  finally  remains  stiff;  this 
may  be  plastered  over  all  the  wounds  that  have  been  pruned. 
The  application  of  this  mixture  keeps  out  the  wet  from  the 
wounds,  where  it  would  be  likely  to  lodge,  and  both  the 
soot  and  oil  promote  vegetation.  When  trees  are  cankery 
from  having  a  bad  subsoil,  it  is  in  vain  to  apply  any  remedy 
till  the  ground  is  properly  drained,  some  fresh  soil  mixed 
with  the  natural  soil,  and  the  tree  replanted.  When  trees 
are  known  to  be  so  situated  as  to  be  particularly  liable  to  the 
attacks  of  insects  or  disease,  they  should  be  attended  to  at 
the  time  of  winter  or  early  spring  pruning,  in  order  to  de- 
stroy the  insects  in  their  larvae  state. 

The  following  compositions  have  been  known  to  protect 
fruit  trees  from  the  attacks  of  numerous  insects,  by  being 
used  as  a  wash  to  the  trees  immediately  after  pruning.  The 
constitution  of  some  trees  will  bear  a  much  stronger  mixture 
of  ingredients  than  others ;  but  the  proportions,  as  hereafter 
described,  will  not  be  injurious  to  any,  but  will  be  effectual 
in  the  destruction  of  the  larvae  of  insects. 

For  Apricot,  Nectarine,  and  Peach  Trees.  To  eight  gal- 
lons of  water  add  one  pound  of  soft  soap,  two  pounds  of 
common  sulphur,  and  half  an  ounce  of  black  pepper. 

For  Jlpple,  Cherry,  Pear,  and  Plum  Trees.  To  four  gallons 
of  water  add  one  pound  of  soft  soap,  two  pounds  of  com- 
mon sulphur,  two  ounces  of  tobacco,  and  one  ounce  of  black 
pepper. 

For  Figs  and  Vines.  To  four  gallons  of  water  add  half 
a  pound  of  soft  soap,  one  pound  of  sulphur,  and  a  quarter 
of  an  ounce  of  black  pepper. 

All  these  ingredients  must  be  boiled  together  for  twenty 
minutes  at  least,  and  when  in  a  lukewarm  state,  applied  to 
the  bark  of  the  trees  with  a  suitable  brush.* 

*  For  the  destruction  of  the  Aphis  which  frequently  attacks  the  Apple, 
as  well  as  other  fruit  trees,  while  young,  an  application  of  diluted  whale- 
oil  soap  to  the  leaves  and  branches  has  been  found  very  efficacious- 


16  OBSERVATIONS    ON   INSECTS, 

The  most  destructive  enemy  to  our  fruit  is  the  Curculio ; 
this  insect  passes  the  winter  in  the  earth  in  a  chrysalis  state, 
and  if  suffered  to  remain  unmolested  by  the  gardener,  will 
be  ready  to  commence  its  attacks  at  about  the  time  the  blos- 
soms appear  on  our  fruit  trees.  The  eggs  are  deposited  in 
the  Apple,  Pear,  and  also  all  stone  fruit,  at  a  very  early  stage 
of  their  growth ;  these  eggs  soon  hatch,  and  small  maggots 
are  produced,  which  exist  in  the  fruit,  causing  it  to  drop  off 
prematurely,  with  the  little  enemy  within.  If  this  fruit  be 
gathered  up,  or  immediately  devoured  by  liogs,  geese,  or 
other  animals,  a  check  may  be  put  to  their  ravages  in  suc- 
ceeding years ;  but  if  suffered  to  remain  on  the  ground,  they 
will  supply  food  to  myriads  of  their  destructive  race,  which 
may  not  be  so  easily  extirpated. 

The  canker-worm  is  another  enemy  to  our  fruits,  for  the 
destruction  of  which  many  experiments  have  been  tried. 
Some  apply  bandages  round  the  body  of  the  tree,  smeared 
over  with  tar  or  ointment,  to  annoy  or  entrap  the  females 
in  their  ascent  to  the  tree ;  but  as  these  tormentors  are  fre- 
quently on  the  move  from  November  to  the  end  of  June, 
this  must  be  a  very  tedious  as  well  as  uncertain  process.  As 
this  insect  is  supposed  to  exist  within  four  feet  of  the  trunk 
of  the  tree,  and  not  more  than  three  or  four  inches  from  the 
surface  of  the  earth,  good  culture,  and  a  moderate  use  of 
lime,  ashes,  or  any  other  pernicious  ingredient,  is  the  most 
likely  way  to  destroy  them. 

The  bark-louse  is  another  pernicious  insect ;  they  resem- 
ble blisters,  and  are  so  near  the  colour  of  the  bark  as  to  be 
imperceptible ;  they  often  prove  fatal  to  the  Apple  tree,  by 
preventing  the  circulation  of  the  sap.  These  insects  may  be 
conquered  by  washing  the  trees  with  soapsuds,  tobacco 
water,  lime  water,  or  brine,  or  a  wash  may  be  made  of  soapy 
water,  salt,  and  lime,  thickened  to  the  consistency  of  cream  01 
paint,  with  sifted  sand  or  clay,  which  may  be  applied  with 
a  brush  to  the  trunk  and  limbs  of  the  trees  ;  this  should  be 
done  at  the  latter  end  of  May,  or  early  in  June,  and  the 
cracks  in  the  bark  should  be  completely  covered. 


AND    DISEASES    OP    FRUIT    TREES.  17 

The  Apple-tree  borer  is  said  to  deposit  its  eggs  beneath 
the  surface  of  the  soil,  and  the  worms  are  often  to  be  found 
in  the  spring  of  the  year,  by  digging  round  the  tree,  and 
clearing  away  the  earth  to  the  roots,  and  may  be  taken  out 
with  a  knife  or  gouge,  and  destroyed.  After  the  worms  are 
removed  the  wounds  should  be  covered  over  with  grafting 
clay  and  wood  ashes  mixed,  and  the  earth  then  returned  to 
the  roots  of  the  tree.  Some  use  bricklayers'  mortar  early 
in  the  spring,  around  the  base  of  the  tree,  so  as  to  cover  the 
part  where  the  deposit  is  made,  and  prevent  their  attacks. 

Although  our  limits  will  not  admit  of  a  farther  description 
of  the  various  sorts  of  insects  which  injure  our  gardens,  and 
frequently  destroy  the  fruit  of  our  labour,  I  cannot  forbear 
directing  the  attention  of  our  citizens  to  the  importance  of 
saving  all  kinds  of  ashes.  If  all  agriculturists  and  horticul- 
turists were  to  offer  an  inducement  to  the  inhabitants  of 
large  cities,  to  save  their  ashes  in  a  dry  state,  they  would  be 
supplied  not  only  with  a  valuable  manure,  but  an  antidote 
for  many  kinds  of  insects ;  and  our  citizens  would  be  at  less 
risk  from  fire,  by  having  a  brick  vault  on  their  premises  for 
safely  keeping  them.  In  England,  a  private  dwelling  is  not 
considered  complete  without  an  ash-vault ;  and  a  good  farmer 
would  dispense  with  his  barn,  rather  than  be  destitute  of  an 
ash-house.  I  have  known  farmers  to  supply  the  cottagers 
with  as  much  peat  as  they  could  burn,  on  condition  of  their 
saving  them  the  ashes ;  and  there  are  some  that  will  keep 
men  under  pay  throughout  the  year,  burning  peat  for  t'he 
same  purpose ;  and  any  thing  that  has  passed  the  fire  is  so 
valuable,  that  a  chimney-sweep  will  frequently  clean  chim- 
neys for  the  sake  of  the  soot,  which  is  conveyed  miles  into 
the  country,  and  sold  at  a  price  sufficient  to  reward  the  col- 
lectors, besides  paying  all  expenses ;  even  the  house-keep- 
ers' ashes  in  cities  is  a  marketable  article  at  all  times,  bring- 
ing from  ten  to  twenty-five  cents  per  bushel,  when  kept  dry 
and  clean,  and  a  guinea  a  load  was  formerly  the  common 

price  in  the  villages  of  Berkshire  and  Hampshire. 

2* 


18  OBSERVATIONS    ON    INSECTS, 

While  on  this  subject,  I  would  urge  the  importance  of  a 
spring  dressing  of  ashes.  If  cultivators  were  to  prepare 
turfs  from  tanners'  bark,  peat-earth,  coal  dust  mixed  with 
clay,  cow  dung,  &c.,  and  get  them  dried  in  the  summer 
season,  these,  by  being  preserved  through  the  winter,  may 
be  burned  around  fruit  orchards,  while  the  trees  are  in  blos- 
som, and  if  the  fires  are  properly  managed,  a  smoke  may  be 
kept  up  by  heaping  on  damp  litter  every  night ;  this  will 
prove  pernicious  to  such  insects  as  may  reside  in  the  trees, 
and  the  ashes  being  spread  on  the  ground,  will  serve  as  a 
means  of  destruction  to  others.  An  orchard  thus  managed 
every  year,  will  need  no  other  manure.  The  smoking  should 
be  effected  first  on  one  side  of  the  plantation,  and  afterward 
on  the  other,  or  heaps  may  be  prepared  in  different  parts  of 
the  orchard,  and  fire  applied  according  as  the  wind  may 
serve  to  carry  the  smoke  where  it  is  most  necessary.  I 
know  a  gardener  in  the  neighbourhood  of  New-York,  who 
saved  his  Plums  and  Nectarines  by  burning  salt  hay,  after 
its  having  been  used  as  a  covering  for  his  Spinach;  and  I 
have  no  hesitation  in  recommending  it  as  an  excellent  reme- 
dy for  securing  fruit  trees  from  insects,  especially  if  some 
coarse  tobacco  could  be  procured  to  add  to  it.  The  damper 
the  materials  are,  in  moderation,  the  more  smoke  they  will 
create  ;  and  if  a  little  tar,  pitch,  sulphur,  or  other  pernicious 
combustible  be  sprinked  among  them,  it  will  be  beneficial. 
This  subject  appears  to  me  of  the  utmost  consequence  to 
the  farmer,  as  well  as  to  the  community  at  large  ;  I,  there- 
fore, cannot  forbear  offering  some  farther  observations. 

It  must  be  acknowedged  that,  although  this  country  con- 
tains an  abundance  of  wood,  coal,  and  peat,  as  well  as 
almost  every  other  description  of  fuel,  yet  the  poor  of  our 
large  cities,  in  general,  suffer  greatly  from  cold ;  and  if  all 
the  tales  of  wo  could  be  sounded  in  the  ears  of  a  sympa- 
thizing community  during  our  severe  winters,  I  am  persuaded 
they  would  arouse  them  to  the  consideration  of  a  remedy. 
It  is  an  acknowledged  fact  that  the  poor  of  Europe  are 


AND    DISEASES    OF    FRUIT    TREES.  10 

cheaper  and  better  supplied  with  fuel  than  those  of  this 
country.  This  arises,  in  a  great  measure,  from  the  circum- 
stance of  ashes  being  held  in  high  estimation  by  agricultur- 
ists ;  they  are  consequently  a  saleable  article  in  their  large 
towns  and  cities,  at  a  price  equal,  in  some  instances,  to  half 
the  cost  of  a  winter's  fuel. 

Now  I  would  ask,  how  is  it  that  ashes  are  not  as  valuable 
to  the  farmers  here  as  they  are  in  Europe  1  The  extreme 
heat  of  the  summer  must  certainly  engender  insects  in  equal 
if  not  greater  proportions ;  and  as  respects  manure,  it  must 
be  scarcer  in  some  parts  of  this  extensive  country  than  it 
is  in  the  densely  peopled  countries  of  Europe.  Perhaps 
some  may  answer,  that  ashes  are  already  used  by  our  culti- 
vators to  a  considerable  extent ;  but  I  would  remind  such, 
that  from  the  circumstance  of  their  being  mixed  up  with 
other  manures,  and  exposed  to  all  sorts  of  weather,  (as  in 
our  city,)  they  lose  their  virtue,  so  that  a  "load  may  not  be 
worth  more  than  a  bushel  would  be,  if  kept  dry  and  clean. 

The  farmers  of  Europe  consider  peat  ashes  of  more  value 
than  any  others,  and  I  am  persuaded  that,  could  they  be 
fairly  tested  by  some  of  our  best  cultivators,  great  good  would 
result  to  the  community.  If  the  farmers  in  England  can 
afford  to  keep  men  under  pay,  perpetually  burning  peat  for 
the  sake  of  the  ashes,  it  is  natural  to  suppose  that  the  poor 
of  our  community  may  be  placed  in  easier  circumstances  as 
respects  the  article  of  fuel.  Thousands  of  acres  of  land 
are  to  be  found  in  the  States  of  New- York  and  New-Jersey, 
and  within  a  few  miles  of  this  city,  which  abound  with  peat 
earth ;  and  the  owners  of  such  have  already  begun  to  ex- 
plore their  treasures  of  this  description.  Good  peat  is  now 
to  be  had  in  the  city  at  the  low  price  of  eight  cents  per 
bushel,  or  three  dollars  per  chaldron.  It  bums  well  in  all 
sorts  of  stoves  and  grates,  whether  made  for  wood  or  coal, 
and  also  on  the  hearth ;  and  if  the  ashes  are  not  used  to  any 
better  purpose  than  other  ashes  have  hitherto  been,  it  is  the 
cheapest  fuel  known.  I  am  persuaded  that  this  subject  is 


20  OBSERVATIONS,  ETC. 

worthy  of  serious  consideration,  and  if  the  editors  of  the 
different  papers  would  arouse  the  public  attention,  so  as  to 
direct  some  of  our  most  active  citizens  to  a  consideration  of 
this  subject,  incalculable  good  would  result  to  the  commu- 
nity at  large. 

If  the  public  authorities  of  our  cities,  and  all  those  who 
distribute  fuel  among  the  poor,  gratis,  would  give  them  peat 
instead  of  wood,  it  would  be  much  cheaper,  and  would 
answer  every  purpose  to  the  consumers.  Twelve  bushels 
might  be  given  in  the  first  winter  month  to  each  of  the  ap- 
plicants, instead  of  wood,  with  a  strict  injunction  to  save 
their  ashes  in  a  dry  state,  in  order  to  their  being  taken  in 
exchange  for  a  future  supply  of  peat.  It  could  be  easily 
ascertained  how  much  ashes  twelve  bushels  of  peat  would 
make ;  and  if  a  strict  attention  be  paid  to  the  conditions  of 
exchange,  it  would  soon  be  discovered  which  of  the  appli- 
cants was  the  most  entitled  to  the  distributor's  bounty.  The 
same  sheds  which  it  would  be  necessary  to  provide  for  hous- 
ing the  peat,  could  be  used  as  a  deposit  for  the  ashes.  If 
such  sheds  be  conveniently  constructed  to  hold  each  a  mode- 
rate quantity,  the  first  which  is  emptied  of  peat  may  be  filled 
with  the  first  ashes  that  are  returned  in  exchange  for  a  future 
supply  of  fuel,  and  they  could  all  be  used  for  the  same  pur- 
pose as  they  become  empty.  These  ashes,  when  fairly  tested, 
may  become  a  merchantable  article  as  in  Europe;  and  it  is 
very  probable  that  farmers  may  be  induced  to  take  them  in 
exchange  for  future  supplies  of  peat ;  they  could,  however, 
be  conveyed  into  the  country  at  a  trifling  expense,  and 
would,  no  doubt,  meet  with  a  ready  sale. 


OBSERVATIONS 

ON 

TRAINING  AND  PRUNING  FRUIT  TREES  AND  VINES. 


IN  training  and  pruning  fruit  trees  and  vines,  particular 
attention  is  required.  To  supply  a  tree  with  a  sufficiency 
of  vegetable  juices,  there  must  necessarily  be  living  bark 
and  wood  in  an  uninterrupted  succession  from  the  root  to 
the  extremities  of  the  branches ;  pruning,  therefore,  is  use- 
ful to  remedy  any  defect,  as  well  as  to  take  off  superfluous 
wood,  and  prevent  unnecessary  waste  of  the  sap.  Pruning 
may  be  performed  at  different  seasons  of  the  year,  according 
to  the  kinds  of  fruit,  which  will  be  shown  under  each  head, 
as  we  proceed. 

In  the  spring  or  summer  pruning,  be  careful  not  to  destroy 
the  germs  of  future  fruits,  but  merely  remove  all  unservice- 
able sprigs.  In  the  winter  season,  make  your  selection  from 
the  wood  shoots  of  the  preceding  year ;  keep  those  which 
appear  the  most  healthy,  and  cut  away  those  which  seem 
redundant.  Beginners  had  better  prefer  the  spring,  as  the 
buds  will  then  be  a  guide  for  them  to  go  by  ;  but  this  busi- 
ness must  not  be  delayed  too  late  in  the  season,  as  some 
kinds  of  trees  and  vines  are  apt  to  bleed  from  being  pruned 
untimely.  When  the  sap  rises  in  Grape  Vines,  &c.,  before 
the  wound  is  healed,  bleeding  ensues,  and  it  is  not  easily 
stopped.  When  this  happens,  sear  the  place,  and  cover  it 
with  melted  wax,  or  with  warm  pitch  spread  upon  a  piece 
of  bladder ;  or  peel  off  the  outside  bark  to  some  distance 
from  the  place,  and  then  press  into  the  pores  of  the  wood, 
a  composition  of  pounded  chalk  and  tar,  mixed  to  the  con- 
sistence of  putty.  Vines  will  bleed  in  autumn  as  well  as  in 


22  ON   TRAINING   AND    PRUNING. 

spring,  though  not  so  copiously.  The  best  preventive  is 
timely  or  early  pruning  in  the  spring,  and  not  pruning  until 
the  wood  is  thoroughly  ripe  in  autumn. 

With  respect  to  the  manner  in  which  vines,  and  some 
particular  kinds  of  trees,  should  be  trained,  opinions  are  at 
variance.  Some  advise  training  the  shoots  in  a  straight  and 
direct  manner,  others  in  a  horizontal  manner,  and  others 
again  in  a  serpentine  form,  &c.  If  vines  be  trained  on  low 
walls  or  trellises,  the  horizontal  or  zigzag  manner  of  training* 
may  be  adopted.  Horizontal  training  is  that  in  which  from 
a  main  stem,  lateral  branches  are  led  out  horizontally  on 
each  side. 

It  has  been  remarked,  that  in  order  to  be  a  good  trainer 
of  vines,  a  man  must  have  some  forethought,  and  be  capable 
of  making  his  selection,  as  the  plants  shoot.  He  must  pre- 
determine how  he  shall  prune,  and  where  he  shall  cut  at  the 
end  of  the  season ;  and  so,  as  it  were,  fashion  the  plants  to 
his  mind.  He  has  this  more  effectually  in  his  power,  with 
respect  to  the  vine,  than  any  other  fruit  tree,  on  account  of 
its  rapid  growth  and  docility. 

In  pruning  vines,  cut  generally  two  inches  above  the  bud. 
Some  cut  nearer,  even  as  near  as  half  an  inch,  which  is  apt 
to  weaken  the  shoot  of  next  season,  and  sometimes  to  pre- 
vent its  vegetating  at  all,  the  buds  being  very  susceptible  of 
injury,  on  account  of  the  soft  and  spongy  nature  of  the  wood. 
In  cutting  out  old  wood,  be  careful  to  cut  in  a  sloping  direc- 
tion, and  to  smooth  the  edges  of  the  wood,  in  order  to  pre- 
vent its  being  injured  by  moisture.  The  pruning  being 
finished,  let  the  loose,  shreddy,  outward  rind  on  the  old  wood 
be  carefully  peeled  off,  observing  not  to  injure  the  sound 
bark,  and  clear  the  trellis  of  branches,  leaves,  tendrils,  &c. 
Let  the  shoots  and  branches  afterward  be  regularly  laid  in, 
at  the  distance  above  specified,  particularly  the  young  shoots 
that  are  expected  to  bear  next  season.  As  to  others,  it  is 
not  so  material  how  near  the  young  shoots  be  placed  to  the 
old,  even  though  they  sometimes  cross  them.  Choose 


ON   TRAINING    AND    PRUNING.  23 

strands  of  fresh  matting,  or  pack  thread,  to  tie  with ;  and 
observe  to  leave  sufficient  room  for  the  swelling  of  the  shoots 
and  branches  next  season. 

By  attending  to  the  proper  training  of  fruit  trees,  every 
advantage  is  promoted,  and  by  a  judicious  management  in 
other  respects,  wood  may  not  only  be  obtained,  but  preserved 
in  every  part  of  the  tree,  so  that  it  will  bear  down  to  the 
very  bole,  which  will  evidently  be  greatly  to  the  credit  of 
»the  gardener,  the  benefit  of  the  proprietor,  and  equally  con- 
ducive to  the  beauty  and  welfare  of  the  tree.  While  trees 
are  young,  it  is  necessary  to  lay  a  good  foundation  for  a  sup- 
ply of  bearing  wood  in  future  years,  for  when  this  is  neg- 
lected, and  they  become  naked,  it  is  sometime  before  a  sup- 
ply can  be  recovered.  In  shortening  a  branch,  always  take 
care  to  cut  in  a  direction  a  little  sloping,  and  the  middle  of 
all  standard  trees  should  be  kept  as  open  as  possible.  It  is 
requisite  to  have  a  very  sharp  knife,  that  the  cut  may  not  be 
ragged,  but  clean,  and  in  the  operation  be  careful  that  the 
knife  does  not  slip,  so  that  another  branch  be  cut  or  damaged. 
The  general  pruning  of  fruit  trees  is  indifferently  per- 
formed by  many  persons  at  any  time  from  autumn  to  spring, 
and  it  may  be  so  done  without  any  great  injury  to  them, 
provided  mild  weather  be  chosen  for  the  purpose,  and  the 
Wood  be  well  ripened.  Although  it  may  be  advantageous 
to  prune  trees  early  in  the  winter,  when  the  wood  is  well 
ripened,  yet,  when  the  wood  is  green  and  the  buds  have  not 
arrived  at  a  mature  state,  it  is  requisite  in  such  cases  to  defer 
pruning  until  spring,  taking  care,  however,  that  it  is  perform- 
ed before  the  moving  of  the  sap.  The  necessity  of  this 
arises  from  the  circumstance,  that  as  the  wood  is  not  ripened 
in  autumn,  the  sap  is  then  in  an  active  state,  and  will  con- 
tinue so  until  the  frost,  &c.,  cause  it  to  become  stagnant  ; 
and  if  the  shoots  were  shortened  while  the  sap  was  in  mo- 
tion, the  buds  would  be  considerably  injured,  and  the  tree 
weakened ;  such  unripe  shoots  are  also  more  liable  to  suffer 
by  the  severity  of  winter,  and  when  the  pruning  is  deferred 


24  ON    TRAINING    AND    PRUNING. 

until  spring,  all  such  parts  as  may  have  been  affected  by  the 
weather,  can  be  removed  to  the  extent  to  which  the  damage 
has  been  sustained.  As  the  pruning  of  such  unripe  wood 
in  the  autumn  would  be  injurious,  so  it  frequently  is  when 
it  is  done  during  winter,  and  the  more  so  according  to  its 
severity ;  because,  whenever  a  cut  is  made  on  such  g?  een 
wood,  the  frost  generally  affects  it,  as  the  sap  is  not  so 
dense,  nor  the  wood  so  firm,  as  to  be  able  to  resist  its  intense- 


Whatever  method  is  adopted  in  training  trees,  care  should 
be  taken  to  keep  the  two  sides  as  nearly  equal  as  possible ; 
this  may  easily  be  done,  whether  they  are  trained  in  the  fan 
or  horizontal  method.  For  espalier  trees,  the  horizontal 
method  has  many  advantages  over  any  other;  the  small 
compass  within  which  the  trees  are  obliged  to  be  kept, 
requires  such  a  direction  for  the  branches,  in  order  to  make 
them  fruitful ;  and  were  very  high  trellises  formed,  so  as  to 
admit  of  the  trees  being  trained  in  the  fan  method,  such 
would  be  very  objectionable,  by  reason  of  the  shade  they 
would  cause,  and  the  trees  would  also  be  deprived  of  the 
benefit  of  a  warmer  temperature,  which  those  less  elevated 
receive. 

As  some  young  gardeners  may  not  know  what  is  meant 
by  espaliers,  it  may  be  necessary  to  explain,  that  espaliers 
are  hedges  of  fruit  trees,  which  are  trained  up  regularly  to  a 
frame  or  trellis  of  wood-work ;  they  produce  large  fruit  plen- 
tifully, without  taking  up  much  room,  and  may  be  planted 
in  the  Kitchen  Garden  without  much  inconvenience  to  its 
other  products.  For  espalier  fruit  trees  in  the  open  ground, 
a  trellis  is  absolutely  necessary,  and  may  either  be  formed 
of  common  stakes  or  poles,  or  of  regular  joinery  work, 
according  to  taste  or  fancy. 

The  implements  employed  in  pruning,  and  the  manner  of 
using  them,  are  matters  of  moment.  If  the  operation  is 
commenced  when  the  tree  is  young,  and  judiciously  followed 
up,  a  good  knife,  a  small  saw,  a  mallet,  and  a  chisel  fixed 


ON    BUDDING,    OR   INOCULATING.  25 

on  a  six-foot  handle,  to  trim  the  tops  and  extremities  of  the 
branches,  are  all  the  tools  that  are  required.  A  large  saw 
will  be  occasionally  wanted ;  but  an  axe  or  hatchet  should 
never  be  employed,  as  they  fracture  the  wood,  bruise  aiid 
tear  the  bark,  and  disfigure  the  tree. 


BUDDING  AND  GRAFTING  FRUIT  TREES. 

Budding  and  Grafting,  Lindley  observes,  are  operations 
that  equally  depend  for  their  success  upon  the  property  that 
buds  possess  of  shooting  roots  downward,  and  stems  up- 
ward ;  but  in  these  practices,  the  roots  strike  between  the 
bark  and  wood  of  the  stock,  instead  of  into  the  earth,  and 
form  new  layers  of  wood,  instead  of  subterranean  fibres. 
The  success  of  such  practices,  however,  depends  upon  other 
causes  than  those  which  influence  the  growth  of  cuttings. 
It  is  necessary  that  an  adhesion  should  take  place  between 
the  scion  and  the  stock,  so  that  when  the  descending  fibres 
of  the  buds  shall  have  fixed  themselves  upon  the  wood  of 
the  stock,  they  may  not  be  liable  to  subsequent  separation. 
No  one  can  have  studied  the  economy  of  the  vegetable 
kingdom,  without  having  remarked  that  there  is  a  strong 
tendency  to  cohesion  in  bodies  or  parts  that  are  placed  in 
contact  with  each  other. 


BUDDING,  OR  INOCULATING. 

To  bud  trees,  let  the  following  method  be  adopted :  Pro- 
cure a  knife  which  has  a  thin  blade,  and  a  sharp  ivory  han- 
dle ;  the  use  of  the  blade  is  to  prepare  the  buds,  and  the 
handle  is  used  to  raise  the  bark  of  the  stocks,  so  that  the 
buds  can  be  easily  inserted.  Have  some  good  strong  bass 
in  readiness,  and  then  take  some  good  thrifty  sprigs  from 
of  the  sorts  you  intend  to  propagate.  When 
3 


26  ON   BUDDING,    OR    INOCULATING. 

all  is  ready,  make  a  cut  in  the  bark  of  the  stock  transversely, 
and  from  the  middle  of  this  cut  make  another  downward, 
at  least  two  inches  in  length,  so  that  the  two  cuts  may  be  in 
the  form  of  a  T ;  then  from  one  of  your  sprigs  proceed  with 
expedition  to  take  off  a  bud ;  this  is  effected  as  follows : 
Insert  the  knife  a  little  more  than  half  an  inch  below  the 
bud  or  eye,  force  it  into  the  wood,  drawing  it  under  the  bud, 
and  cut  the  piece  off  across  the  shoot ;  then  immediately  let 
that  part  of  the  wood  which  was  cut  off  with  the  bud  be 
separated  from  it,  which  may  be  readily  done  with  the  knife, 
by  placing  the  point  of  it  between  the  bark  and  wood  at  one 
end,  and,  holding  the  bark  in  one  hand,  pull  off  the  woody 
part  with  the  other,  which  will  readily  come  from  the  bark, 
if  the  tree  from  which  it  was  taken  be  in  a  vigorous  con- 
dition. Examine  the  bark,  so  as  to  be  satisfied  that  the 
bud  remains  perfect ;  if  there  is  no  hole  in  it,  let  it  be  im- 
mediately inserted  into  the  stock,  which  is  done  by  raising 
with  the  handle  of  your  knife  the  bark  of  the  stock  downward 
on  each  side  from  the  cross  cut,  and  thrusting  the  bud  in  be- 
tween the  bark  and  the  wood,  applying  it  as  close  as  possi 
ble.  As  soon  as  the  bud  is  put  into  its  place,  bind  it  securely 
with  bass,  beginning  a  little  below  the  cut,  and  proceeding 
upward,  till  you  are  above  the  cross  cut,  taking  care  to  miss 
the  eye  of  the  bud,  just  so  that  it  may  be  seen  through  the 
bandage  of  the  bass.  About  a  week  or  ten  days  after  the 
stocks  have  been  budded,  they  should  be  examined,  when 
such  as  have  united  will  appear  fresh  and  full,  and  those  that 
have  not  taken  will  appear  decayed ;  in  the  former  case  the 
bandage  may  be  left  off,  and  in  the  latter  case,  the  stock 
may  be  budded  in  another  place,  provided  the  first  operation 
was  done  in  the  month  of  July  or  early  in  August,  as  these  are 
the  two  most  preferable  months  for  budding  fruit  trees  in 
general.  Budding  is,  however,  often  attended  with  success, 
if  done  early  in  September. 

SCALLOP  BUDDING  is  performed  by  cutting  fiom  a  small 
stock  a  thin  narrow  scallop  of  wood,  about  an  inch  in  length, 


OBSERVATIONS    ON    GRAFTING.  27 

and  taking  from  a  twig  a  thin  scallop  of  wood  of  the  same 
length ;  this  is  instantly  applied,  and  fitted  perfectly  at  top 
and  bottom,  and  as  nearly  as  possible  on  its  sides,  and  firmly 
bound  with  wet  bass  matting.  This  may  be  performed  iu 
the  spring,  and  if  it  fails,  it  may  be  done  again  in  the  month 
of  July.  The  French  practice  this  mode  on  Roses. 


GRAFTING. 

Grafting  is  the  taking  a  shoot  from  one  tree  and  inserting 
it  into  another,  in  such  a  manner  that  both  may  unite  closely, 
and  become  one  tree.  These  shoots  are  called  scions  01 
grafts,  and  in  the  choice  of  them,  and  the  mode  of  preparing 
some  descriptions  of  stocks,  the  following  hints  will  be 
useful : 

Those  scions  are  best  which  are  taken  from  the  lateral  or 
horizontal,  rather  than  from  the  strong  perpendicular  shoots. 
The  shoots  of  Apples,  &c.,  should  be  taken  from  healthy 
trees  late  in  autumn,  or  before  the  buds  begin  to  swell  in  the 
spring,  and  buried  half  of  their  length  in  the  ground,  or  in 
a  cool  and  diy  cellar ;  there  to  remain  until  the  season  of 
grafting. 

For  some  descriptions  of  trees,  the  stocks  are  headed 
down  near  to  the  ground.  In  nurseries,  Apples  intended 
for  standards  are  generally  grafted  about  nine  inches  high 
only,  allowing  them  to  grow  up  standard  high,  and  forming 
their  heads  upon  the  second  year's  shoots.  In  cider  coun- 
tries, the  stock  is  generally  trained  up  standard  high ;  and 
when  grown  sufficiently  large  for  the  purpose,  it  is  grafted 
at  the  height  at  which  it  is  intended  the  head  of  the  tree 
shall  be  formed.  As  respects  trees  in  general,  directions 
will  be  found  under  their  appropriate  heads. 

The  business  of  grafting  is  generally  performed  in  March 
and  April :  there  are  various  methods  of  grafting,  but  the 
following  are  those  most  generally  practised : 


28  OBSERVATIONS   ON    GRAFTING. 

CLEFT  GRAFTING.  This  mode  of  grafting  is  generally 
practised  on  stocks  of  from  one  to  two  inches  in  diameter, 
and  may  be  performed  in  the  following  manner :  Let  the 
head  of  the  stock  be  carefully  sawed  off  at  a  part  free  from 
knots,  and  the  top  pared  smooth ;  then  with  a  thin  knife 
split  down  the  stock  through  the  centre  to  the  depth  of  about 
two  inches,  and  insert  a  wedge  to  keep  it  open  for  the 
reception  of  the  scion.  The  scion  must  be  prepared  in  the 
form  of  a  wedge,  with  an  eye,  if  possible,  in  the  upper  part, 
and  inserted  carefully,  so  that  the  inner  bark  of  the  scion 
and  of  the  stock  may  both  exactly  meet.  Large  stocks 
require  two  scions,  one  on  each  side,  and  sometimes  four 
are  inserted.  When  done,  tie  them  firmly  together  with 
bass,  and  then  cover  the  grafted  part  with  well-prepared 
clay,  in  an  oval  form,  and  close  it  securely. 

SIDE  GRAFTING.  This  mode  is  sometimes  practised  on 
those  parts  of  a  tree  where  a  limb  is  wanting.  There  are 
two  ways  in  which  it  may  be  performed.  1st.  The  scion 
may  be  prepared  in  the  same  manner  as  for  splice  grafting, 
and  the  bark  and  wood  on  the  side  of  the  stock  cut  sloping ; 
the  scion  being  then  adjusted  as  carefully  as  possible,  it  must 
be  bound  on  and  covered  with  clay.  2d.  The  scion  being 
cut  sloping,  a  cross-cut  is  to  be  made  in  the  side  of  the  tree 
on  the  top  of  a  perpendicular  slit ;  the  bark  of  a  tree  above 
the  cross-cut  must  be  pared  down  slanting  to  the  wood,  and 
the  bark  raised  as  in  budding;  the  scion  being  then  inserted, 
it  must  be  bound  fast,  and  covered  with  clay. 

SPLICE,  OR  WHIP  GRAFTING.  This  mode  is  often  practised 
on  small  stocks,  and  it  succeeds  best  when  the  scion  and 
stock  are  of  an  equal  size.  The  scion,  which  should  consist 
of  young  wood  of  the  former  year's  growth,  may  be  cut  to 
the  length  of  about  four  inches.  This  and  the  stock  are 
each  to  be  cut  sloping,  for  an  inch  or  more,  and  tongued. 
Tongueing  consists  in  cutting  a  slit  in  the  middle  of  the  slope 
of  the  stock  downward,  and  a  corresponding  slit  in  the  scion 
upward ;  both  are  now  to  be  joined,  so  that  one  of  the  sides, 


OBSERVATIONS    ON    GRAFTING.  29 

if  not  both,  shall  perfectly  coincide,  and  then  securely  bound 
with  bass  matting,  and  covered  with  grafting  cjay  or  compo- 
sition. As  soon  as  the  scion  and  stock  are  completely  united, 
the  bass  string  may  be  removed. 

SADDLE  GRAFTING.  The  celebrated  Mr.  Knight  practised 
this  mode  of  grafting  on  very  small  stocks.  The  upper  part 
of  the  stock  is  prepared  in  the  form  of  a  wedge,  by  two 
sloping  cuts,  one  on  each  side.  The  scion  is  prepared  by 
slitting  it  upward,  and  paring  out  the  middle  part  on  each 
side  to  a  point.  When  the  stock  and  scion  are  of  equal 
size,  the  adjustment  may  be  made  perfect;  but  if  unequal, 
one  side  must  exactly  meet.  The  whole  is  secured  by  a 
string  of  bass  matting,  and  covered  with  composition  or 
clay ;  but  the  string  must  be  removed  as  soon  as  a  perfect 
union  has  taken  place. 

ROOT  GRAFTING.  This  operation  is  often  performed  on 
Grape  vines,  just  below  the  level  of  the  surface,  by  the  usual 
mode  of  cleft  grafting.  It  is  also  performed  on  portions  or 
pieces  of  root,  where  suitable  stocks  are  scarce. 

GRAFTING  BY  APPROACH.  The  trees,  or  shrubs,  to  be 
grafted  in  this  mode,  must  be  growing  very  near  lo  those  which 
are  to  furnish  the  grafts.  The  limbs  or  branches  of  each 
tree,  which  are  thus  to  be  united,  must  be  pared  with  a  long 
sloping  cut  of  several  inches,  nearly  to  the  centre  ;  and  the 
parts  of  each  tree  thus  prepared  are  to  be  brought  together, 
and  finally  secured  by  a  bandage  of  matting,  so  that  the 
bark  shall  meet  as  nearly  as  possible.  The  graft  may  then 
be  covered  with  clay  or  composition;  and  \vhen  a  complete 
union  has  taken  place,  the  trees  or  shrubs  may  be  separated 
with  a  sharp  knife,  by  cutting  off  below  the  junction. 

It  may  be  here  observed  that,  as  young  grafted  trees  itt 
the  nursery  progress  in  growth,  the  lower  side-limbs  should 
be   gradually   shortened,   but   not   suddenly   close-pruned 
they  are  essential  for  a  time  to  strengthen  the  trunks,  ant. 
to  the  upright  and  perfect  formation  of  the  tree. 

3* 


30 


DIRECTIONS  FOR  MAKING 

COMPOSITION,  GRAFTING  CLAY,  ETO, 

FOR   USE    ON   FRUIT    TREES. 

The  British  Parliament  gave  Mr.  Forsyth  a  valuable  pre- 
mium for  the  following  important  directions  for  making  a 
composition  for  curing  diseases,  defects,  and  injuries  in  all 
kinds  of  fruit  and  forest  trees,  and  the  method  of  preparing 
the  trees,  and  laying  on  the  composition : 

Take  one  bushel  of  fresh  cow-dung,  half  a  bushel  of  lime 
rubbish  of  old  buildings  (that  from  the  ceilings  of  rooms  is 
preferable),  half  a  bushel  of  wood  ashes,  and  a  sixteenth 
part  of  a  bushel  of  pit  or  river  sand ;  the  three  last  articles 
are  to  be  sifted  fine  before  they  are  mixed ;  then  work  them 
well  together  with  a  spade,  and  afterward  with  a  wooden 
beater,  until  the  stuff  is  very  smooth,  like  fine  plaster  used 
for  ceilings  of  rooms. 

The  composition  being  thus  made,  care  must  be  taken  to 
prepare  the  tree  properly  for  its  application,  by  cutting  away 
all  the  dead,  decayed,  and  injured  part,  till  you  come  at  the 
fresh  sound  wood,  leaving  the  surface  of  the  wood  very 
smooth,  and  rounding  off  the  edges  of  the  bark  with  a  draw- 
knife,  or  other  instrument,  perfectly  smooth,  which  must  be 
particularly  attended  to ;  then  lay  on  the  plaster  about  an 
eighth  of  an  inch  thick,  all  over  the  part  wheie  the  wood  or 
bark  has  been  so  cut  away,  finishing  off  the  edges  as  thin  as 
possible.  Then  take  a  quantity  of  dry  powder  of  wood 
ashes  mixed  with  a  sixth  part  of  the  same  quantity  of  the 
ashes  of  burnt  bones  ;  put  it  into  a  tin  box  with  holes  in  the 
top,  and  shake  the  powder  on  the  surface  of  the  plaster  till 
the  whole  is  covered  with  it,  letting  it  remain  for  half  an 
hour  to  absorb  the  moisture ;  then  apply  more  powder,  rub- 
bing it  on  gently  with  the  hand,  and  repeating  the  applica- 
tion of  the  powder  till  the  whole  plaster  becomes  a  dry, 
smooth  surface. 


WASH  FOR  THE  STEMS  OP  FRUIT  TREES,  ETC.  31 

If  any  of  the  composition  be  left  for  a  future  occasion,  it 
should  be  kept  in  a  tub  or  other  vessel,  and  urine  poured 
on  it  so  as  to  cover  the  surface,  otherwise  the  atmosphere 
will  greatly  hurt  the  efficacy  of  the  application. 

When  lime  rubbish  of  old  buildings  cannot  be  easily  got, 
take  pounded  chalk  or  common  lime,  after  having  been 
slaked  a  month  at  least. 

As  the  growth  of  the  trees  will  gradually  effect  the  plas- 
ter, by  raising  up  its  edges  next  the  bark,  care  should  be 
taken,  when  that  happens,  to  rub  it  over  with  the  finger  when 
occasion  may  require  (which  is  best  done  when  moistened 
by  rain),  that  the  plaster  may  be  kept  whole,  to  prevent  the 
air  and  wet  penetrating  into  the  wound. 

As  the  best  way  of  using  the  composition  is  found,  by 
experience,  to  be  in  a  liquid  state,  it  must,  therefore,  be 
reduced  to  the  consistence  of  a  pretty  thick  paint,  by  mixing 
it  up  with  a  sufficient  quantity  of  uiine  and  soapsuds,  and 
laid  on  with  a  painter's  brush.  The  powder  of  wood  ashes 
and  burned  bones  is  to  be  applied  as  before  directed,  patting 
it  down  with  the  hand. 

A  WASH  FOR  THE  STEMS  OF  FRUIT  TREES.  Take  a  peck  of 
fresh  cow-dung,  half  a  peck  of  quick  lime,  half  a  pound  of 
flour  of  sulphur,  and  a  quarter  of  a  pound  of  lampblack.  Mix 
the  whole  together  with  as  much  urine  and  soapsuds  in  a 
boiling  state  as  will  form  the  ingredients  into  a  thick  paint. 

This  composition  may  be  applied  to  the  stems  of  young 
standard  trees  when  planted  out  in  the  orchard,  to  prevent 
their  being  injured  by  the  depredations  of  reptiles  and  insects. 

A  WASH  FOR  THE  STEMS  AND  BRANCHES  OF  FRUIT  TREES. 
Take  half  a  peck  of  quick  lime,  half  a  pound  of  flour  of 
sulphur,  and  a  quarter  of  a  pound  of  lampblack.  Mix  the 
whole  together  with  as  much  boiling  water  as  will  form  the 
ingredients  into  a  thick  paint.  This  composition  is  recom- 
mended to  be  applied  to  the  stems  and  limbs  of  Apple  trees 
which  are  infested  with  the  White  JWealy  Insect,  having  pre- 
viously removed  the  moss  and  loose  bark  by  scraping  them 


32  CHOICE  OP  FRUIT  TREES  IN  THE  NURSERY. 

off  with  a  strong  knife,  or  some  other  instrument  adapted  to 
the  purpose. 

In  using  the  composition,  it  will  be  most  efficacious  if 
applied  in  a  warm  state,  or  something  more  than  blood  heat. 

On  young  tiees,  strong  vinegar  will  effectually  destroy 
this  insect,  and  I  have  for  many  years,  in  my  own  nursery, 
used  it  for  this  purpose ;  but  this  would  be  too  expensive  to 
be  applied  when  the  trees  are  large. 

A  solution  of  potash  to  wash  the  stems  of  the  trees  early  in 
the  spring,  before  the  buds  expand,  will  effectually  destroy 
them. 

To  MAKE  GRAFTING  COMPOSITION.  Take  equal  parts  of 
rosin  and  beeswax,  and  a  little  tallow ;  melt  these  together 
and  mix  them  ;  then  pour  the  composition  into  cold  water, 
and  as  it  hardens,  take  it  out  and  work  it  up  with  the  hands 
until  it  attains  a  due  consistence.  It  may  be  spread  on 
brown  paper,  which  being  cut  into  stiips  of  suitable  size,  is 
quickly  applied,  and  in  cool  weather  may  be  warmed  by  the 
breath,  so  as  to  become  adhesive. 

GRAFTING  CLAY  may  be  made  in  the  following  manner : 
Take  equal  parts  of  fresh  horse  manure,  free  from  litter, 
cow  manure,  and  good  stiff  clay ;  add  to  this  a  portion  of 
hair,  and  work  it  together  in  the  same  manner  as  masons 
mix  their  mortar.  It  should  be  well  beaten  and  incorpo- 
rated several  days  before  it  is  required  to  be  used. 


ON   THE  CHOICE   OF   FRUIT   TREES   IN   THE 
NURSERY. 

In  the  choice  of  fruit  trees,  all  possible  care  and  attention 
are  necessary ;  for,  to  have  trees  that  do  not  answer  the 
expectations  of  the  propiietor,  is  a  great  disappointment. 
As  the  young  gardener  may  need  such  directions  as  are  cal- 
culated to  govern  him  in  his  choice,  I  shall  endeavour  to 


CHOICE  OF  FRUIT  TREES  IN  THE  NURSERY.  33 

furnish  them.  Whatever  species  or  varieties  of  fruit  trees 
are  wanted,  choose  those  that  are  vigorous  and  straight,  and 
of  a  healthy  appearance.  Whether  they  have  been  grafted 
or  budded,  be  careful  to  select  such  as  have  been  worked 
on  young  stocks.  Grafts  and  buds  inserted  into  old,  crooked, 
stunted  stocks,  seldom  succeed  well.  Trees  that  are  healthy, 
have  always  a  smooth,  clean,  shining  bark;  such  as  are 
mossy,  or  have  a  rough,  wrinkled  bark,  or  are  the  least 
affected  by  canker,  should  be  rejected.  Canker  is  discover- 
able in  the  young  wood,  and  generally  two  or  three  inches 
above  the  graft  or  bud.  If  the  tree  be  an  Apricot,  Nectar- 
ine, Peach,  or  Plum,  and  any  gum  appears  on  the  lower 
part  of  it,  do  not  fix  upon  that.  Let  the  tree  you  select  (if 
a  dwarf)  be  worked  about  six  inches  from  the  ground,  and 
only  one  graft  or  bud  should  be  upon  each  stock,  for  when 
there  are  more,  the  tree  cannot  be  brought  to  so  handsome 
a  form. 

In  some  of  the  following  articles,  it  will  be  seen  that 
several  descriptions  of  trees  may  be  transplanted  with  safety, 
even  when  far  advanced  in  growth.  When  trees  of  four  or 
five  years'  growth,  after  having  been  headed  down,  that  are 
healthy,  and  well  furnished  with  fruit-bearing  wood  close  up 
to  the  centre  of  the  tree,  can  be  obtained,  they  will  do  very 
well ;  but  great  care  is  requisite  in  taking  up,  removing,  and 
planting  such.  Let  the  tree  be  taken  up  with  as  great  a 
portion  of  the  roots  as  possible,  taking  care  not  to  bruise, 
split,  or  damage  them  ;  for  want  of  attention  to  these  points, 
trees  often  become  diseased.  Whenever  (notwithstanding 
all  due  caution)  any  roots  have  been  accidentally  broken, 
split,  or  otherwise  damaged  in  taking  up  the  tree,  let  them 
be  cut  off;  or  if  they  cannot  be  well  spared,  let  the  damaged 
or  bruised  part  be  pared  clean  with  a  sharp  knife,  and  a  por- 
tion of  the  following  composition  be  spread  over  the  wound, 
in  order  to  keep  the  wet  from  it,  which  would  othenvise 
injure  the  tree :  To  equal  parts  of  soft  soap  and  tar,  add  a 
little  beeswax  j  let  them  be  boiled  together,  and  when  cold 


34  CHOICE  OF  FRUIT  TREES  IN  THE  NURSERY. 

they  may  be  used.  The  necessity  of  pruning-in  and  dress- 
ing mangled  roots  is  more  particularly  required  in  trees  of 
the  stone  fruit,  such  as  Apricots,  Nectarines,  Peaches,  Plums, 
&c. ;  for  without  the  application  of  some  remedy,  they  gum 
at  the  roots,  which  defect,  if  not  counteracted,  very  materi- 
ally injures  the  upper  part  of  the  trees,  which  may  become 
so  affected  as  never  to  recover  afterward ;  therefore;  great 
care  should  be  taken  not  to  occasion  such  injury ;  and  when 
accidents  happen,  all  due  caution  and  application  are  neces- 
sary to  promote  a  healthy  and  vigorous  growth. 

A  young  tree,  likely  to  do  well,  should  have  roots  nearly 
corresponding  to  the  branches ;  at  least,  it  should  have  one 
strong  root  in  a  similar  proportion  to  the  bole  of  the  tree, 
with  a  proper  distribution  of  branching  fibres.  Healthy 
roots  are  always  smooth  and  clear ;  their  colour  varies  a  lit- 
tle according  to  the  kind  of  tree,  but  the  older  the  roots  are, 
the  darker  the  colour  is. 

After  the  tree  is  taken  up,  be  careful,  in  conveying  it  to 
the  place  where  it  is  to  be  planted,  that  the  roots  are  not 
chafed  or  rubbed.  If  trees  are  to  be  conveyed  to  a  consid- 
erable distance,  they  should  be  well  guarded  by  straw,  or 
otherwise,  in  order  to  prevent  injury.  All  damaged  or  bruised 
roots  should  be  pruned  as  soon  as  the  tree  is  taken  up,  but 
if  it  be  necessary  to  prune  away  any  sound,  good  roots,  such 
pruning  should  be  delayed  until  the  time  of  planting.  In 
pruning  away  roots,  always  let  them  be  finished  by  a  clear 
cut,  and  in  a  sloping  direction  ;  the  slope  should  be  toward 
the  under  stratum,  so  that  the  wet  may  not  be  allowed  to 
lodge  upon  the  part  so  cut.  When  trees  are  planted  at  an 
advanced  season  in  the  spring  of  .the  year,  it  will  be  neces- 
sary to  prune  the  tops ;  arid  if  trees  are  removed  that  have 
been  trained  three  or  four  years,  and  are  not  properly  sup- 
plied with  young  wood,  they  must  be  cut  down  either  wholly 
or  partially,  in  order  to  obtain  a  sufficiency.  In  practising 
this  upon  Apricot  and  Nectarine  trees,  &c.,  always  prune 
so  as  to  have  a  leading  shoot  close  below  the  cut,  as  it  is 


CHOICE  OF  FRUIT  TREES  IN  THE  NURSERY.  35 

very  rare  they  will  push  a  shoot  below,  unless  there  be  a 
lead.  This  attention  is  not  so  particularly  required  in  tho 
Pear,  &c.,  as  such  will  generally  push  forth  shoots,  although 
no  leading  ones  are  left ;  but  in  all  kinds,  the  younger  the 
wood  is,  the  more  certain  are  shoots  to  be  produced.  If  a 
tree  that  has  been  under  training  for  one  or  two  years, 
should  only  have  one  good  strong  leading  shoot,  and  two  or 
three  weaker  ones  which  do  not  proceed  from  it,  let  the 
weak  shoots  be  pruned  clean  away,  and  shorten  the  strong 
one,  from  which  a  handsome  head  may  afterward  be  formed. 
For  farther  directions  as  respects  pruning  or  planting  fruit 
trees,  &c.,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  preceding  articles  on 
these  subjects ;  and  as  respects  any  species  of  fruit  in  par- 
ticular, directions  will  be  found  under  its  distinct  head. 

In  order  to  assist  the  reader  in  making  a  judicious  selection 
of  fruit  trees,  I  have  furnished  a  short  description  of  such 
species  and  varieties  as  are  in  great  repute  for  every  good 
quality.  Previous  to  making  this  selection,  I  carefully 
perused  '  Prince's  Pomological  Manual,'  *  Kenrick's  Ameri- 
can Orchardist,'  '  Lindley's  Guide  to  the  Orchard  and  Fruit 
Garden,'  and  '  Manning's  Descriptive  Catalogue  of  Fruits;' 
beside  these  important  guides,  I  had  the  select  catalogues 
of  different  nurserymen  before  me,  and  have  chosen  such 
only  as  have  been  most,  generally  recommended.  In  doing 
this,  I  have  had  difficulties  to  contend  with,  of  the  nature  of 
which,  none  but  those  who  have  duly  considered  the  subject 
can  form  any  idea.  The  facility  with  which  seedling  plants 
are  raised,  and  the  paternal  fondness  with  which  people  are 
apt  to  regard  their  own  seedlings,  have  occasioned  hundreds 
of  names  to  appear  in  the  various  catalogues,  which  tend 
not  a  little  to  swell  the  large  and  increasing  list  of  fruits. 

In  many  instances,  the  English,  French,  Spanish,  and 
other  names,  provisional,  local,  and  barbarous,  are  given  to 
the  same  variety ;  consequently,  some  fruits  appear  in  the 
different  catalogues  under  all  the  varied  names ;  and  the 
patience  and  labour  necessarily  requisite  for  ascertaining 


30         CHOICE  OP  FRUIT  TREES  IN  THE  NURSERY. 

which  are  really  distinct  varieties,  and  which  are  most  worthy 
of  cultivation,  are  correspondingly  great. 

To  exemplify  :  Suppose  from  a  catalogue  of  Pears  the  fol- 
lowing names  should  be  selected  by  a  person  wishing  to  plant 
as  many  varieties  in  his  orchard,  namely,  BROWN  BEURRE, 
Beurre  Gris,  Beurre  Rouge,  Buerre  Dore,  Buerre  d'  Jlnjou, 
Buerre  eP  Or,  Buerre  d'  Jlmbleuse,  Buerre  d*  Amboise,  Poire 
</'  Amboise,  Isambert,  Red  Beurre,  Golden  Beurre,  Beurre  du 
Roi.  WHITE  DOYENNE,  Doyenne  Blanc,  Doyenne,  Beurre 
Blanc,  Bonne-ante,  Saint  Michael,  Carlisle,  Citron  de  Septcm- 
bre,  Kaiserbirne,  Poire  a  court  queue,  Poire  de  Limon,  Valen- 
cia, Poire  de  Jfeige,  Poire  de  Seigneur,  Poire  Monsieur,  White 
Beurre.  Here  is  a  list  of  twenty-nine  kinds,  as  the  pur- 
chaser supposes,  but  when  the  trees  produce  their  fruit,  he 
finds,  to  his  great  disappointment  and  mortification,  that  he 
has  only  two  varieties,  namely,  the  Brown  Beurre  and  the 
White  Doyenne. 

In  making  out  the  descriptive  lists,  I  have  generally 
adopted  the  names  given  in  the  catalogues  of  the  most  cele- 
brated nurserymen,  as  a  heading;  and  have  caused  the 
synonymes,  or  names  by  which  the  same  variety  is  known, 
or  has  been  called,  to  be  printed  in  italics ;  thus,  my  lists  of 
about  four  hundred  varieties  of  the  various  species  of  fruit, 
will  embrace  what  has  been  deemed  by  some  as  different 
varieties,  perhaps  to  the  number  of  nearly  two  thousand. 


In  preparing  the  following  articles,  the  object  has  been 
to  furnish  information  which  would  entertain,  as  well  as 
instruct  the  reader.  Besides  the  authorities  quoted,  I  have 
gleaned  from  those  inexhaustible  tieasures  to  horticulturists, 
London's  Encyclopaedia  of  Plants,  and  that  of  Gardening; 
but  on  account  of  the  brevity  necessarily  observed  through- 
out this  work,  it  has  been  found  impracticable  to  give  many 
entire  extracts ;  suffice  it  to  say,  that  the  historical  facts  are 
generally  collected  from  these  sources. 


APPLE.  3? 

APPLE 
POMMIER.     Pynts  mains. 

THE  Apple  being  so  closely  connected  with  our  wants  and 
enjoyments,  is  entitled  to  the  first  notice  in  the  catalogue  of 
our  fruits.  The  Apple  Orchard  is,  in  truth,  the  vineyard  of 
our  country ;  and  the  delicious  beverage  that  can  be  obtained 
from  some  of  the  varieties  of  this  excellent  fruit  being  cal- 
culated to  cheer  the  invalid,  as  well  as  to  strengthen  the 
healthy,  entitles  it  to  high  consideration.  It  is  one  of  oui 
oldest  and  best  fruits,  and  has  become  completely  naturalized 
to  our  soil ;  none  can  be  brought  to  so  high  a  degree  of  per- 
fection with  so  little  trouble  ;  and  of  no  other  are  there  so 
many  excellent  varieties  in  general  cultivation,  calculated 
for  almost  every  soil,  situation,  and  climate,  which  our  coun- 
try affords. 

The  Apple  tree  is  supposed  by  some  to  attain  a  great  age  : 
Haller  mentions  some  trees  in  Herefordshire,  England,  that 
were  a  thousand  years  old,  and  were  still  highly  prolific ;  but 
Knight  considers  two  hundred  years  as  the  ordinary  duration 
of  a  healthy  tree,  grafted  on  a  crab  stock,  and  planted  in  a 
strong,  tenacious  soil.  Speechly  mentions  a  tree  in  an  or- 
chard at  Burtonjoice,  near  Nottingham,  about  sixty  years 
old,  with  branches  extending  from  seven  to  nine  yards  round 
the,  bole,  which  in  some  seasons  produced  upward  of  a  hun- 
dred bushels  of  apples. 

The  Romans  had  only  twenty-two  varieties  in  Pliny's 
time.  There  are  upward  of  fifteen  hundred  now  cultivated 
in  the  garden  of  the  Horticultural  Society  of  London,  under 
name ;  the  catalogue  of  the  Linnsean  Botanic  Garden  at 
Flushing  contains  about  four  hundred  ;  and  one  of  our  en- 
terprising horticulturists,  Mr.  William  Coxe,  of  Burlington, 
New  Jersey,  enumerated  one  hundred  and  thirty-three  kinds 
cultivated  in  the  United  States,  some  years  ago.  They  are 
usually  divided  into  dessert,  baking,  and  cider  fruits:  the 

4 


38  APPLE. 

first,  highly  flavoured ;  the  second,  such  as  fall,  or  become 
mellow  in  baking  or  boiling;  and  the  third,  austere,  and 
generally  fruit  of  small  size.  Besides  this  division,  Apples 
are  classed  as  pippins  or  seedlings,  pearmains  or  somewhat 
pear-shaped  fruits,  rennets  or  queen-specked  fruits,  calviles 
or  white-skinned  fruits,  russets  or  brown  fruits,  and  some  are 
denominated  burknots. 

The  Apple  may  be  propagated  by  layers,  and  many  sorts 
by  cuttings  and  budding,  but  the  usual  mode  is  by  grafting 
on  seedling  stocks  of  two  or  three  years  growth,  and  for 
dwarfing,  on  stocks  of  the  Quince  or  Paradise  Apple.  All 
the  principal  varieties  are  cultivated  as  standards  in  the 
orchard,  and  should  be  planted  from  thirty  to  forty  feet  from 
each  other,  or  from  any  other  spreading  trees,  in  order  that 
the  sun  and  air  may  have  their  due  influence  in  maturing  the 
fruit. 

Many  of  the  dwarf  kinds  may  be  introduced .  into  the 
Kitchen  Garden,  and  trained  as  espaliers,  or  dwarf  standards. 
An  Apple  Orchard  may  be  planted  at  any  time  after  the 
trees  are  two  years  old  from  the  graft ;  and  as  trees  from 
young  stocks  will  not  come  into  full  bearing  until  ten  or 
twelve  years  old,  they  will  bear  removing  with  care  at  any 
time  within  that  ^period. 

Old  Apple  trees  may  be  grafted  with  superior  varieties  by 
being  headed  down  to  standard  height :  most  commonly,  in 
very  old  subjects,  the  branches  only  are  cut  within  a  foot  or 
two  of  the  trunk,  and  then  grafted  in  the  crown  or  cleft 
manner.  In  all  the  varieties  of  the  common  Apple,  the 
mode  of  bearing  is  upon  small  terminal  and  lateral  spurs, 
or  short  robust  shoots,  from  half  an  inch  to  two  inches  long, 
which  spring  from  the  younger  branches  of  two  or  more 
years'  growth,  appearing  at  first  at  the  extremity,  and  ex- 
tending gradually  to  the  side :  the  same  bearing  branches 
and  fruit  spurs  continue  many  years  fruitful. 

PRUNING. — As,  from  the  mode  of  bearing,  Apple  trees  do 
not  admit  of  shortening  the  general  bearers,  it  should  only 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OF    APPLES.  30 

be  practised  in  extraordinary  cases.  If  trees  have  not  the 
most  desirable  form  when  three  or  four  years  old,  they  should 
be  judiciously  pruned  to  promote  regular  spreading  branches. 
In  annual  pruning,  the  main  branches  should  not  be  cut, 
unless  in  cases  of  decay ;  but  all  superfluous  cross  branches 
and  dead  wood  should  be  taken  out,  and  the  suckers  eradi- 
cated. Espaliers  require  a  summer  and  winter  pruning. 


SELECT  DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  APPLES. 

SUMMER   FRUIT. 

AMERICAN  SUMMER  PEARMAIN,  Early  Summer  Pearmain.  This  ap- 
ple is  of  medium  size  and  oblong  form ;  its  colour  bright  red  on  the  sunny 
side,  and  on  the  opposite  side  yellow,  streaked  or  blotched  with  red ;  the 
flesh  is  very  juicy,  tender,  fine  flavoured,  and  excellent.  It  ripens  early  in 
August,  and  is  good  either  for  the  dessert  or  for  cooking.  Tree  a  good 
bearer. 

BENONI.  Fruit  of  medium  size,  form  round  and  regular ;  the  flesh  yel- 
low, high  flavoured,  and  excellent ;  it  ripens  in  July  and  August  "  The 
tree  bears  well,"  says  Mr.  Manning,  "and  should  be  found  in  every  good 
collection." 

EARLY  BOUGH,  Sweet  Sough.  The  size  of  this  fruit  varies  from  me- 
dium to  large  ;  its  colour  pale  yellow  ;  its  form  oblong ;  its  skin  smooth  ; 
flesh  tender,  juicy,  sweet,  and  excellent.  Ripens  early  in  August 

EARLY  CROFTON,  or  Irish  Peach  Apple.  An  Irish  apple,  of  the  middle 
size  and  flattish  shape ;  of  an  olive  green  colour,  much  variegated  with 
red ;  has  a  rich  saccharine  flavour ;  is  much  esteemed  for  the  dessert,  and 
is  excellent  also  as  a  sauce  apple.  Ripens  in  August.  The  tree  grows 
well,  and  is  not  apt  to  canker. 

EARLY  HARVEST,  Prince's  Yellow  Harvest,  Pomme  d'ete,  July  Pippin. 
A  very  early  apple,  of  medium  size ;  bright  straw  colour ;  flesh  white  and 
tender ;  juice  rich;  lively,  and  very  fine.  The  tree  bears  young,  and  makes 
a  fine  garden  espalier ;  ripening  its  fruit  in  July  and  August. 

EARLY  RED  JUNEATING,  Red  Margaret,  Early  Striped  Juneating, 
Strawberry,  Eve  Apple  of  the  Irish.  Fruit  below  the  middle  size;  skin 
greenish  yellow,  richly  and  closely  streaked  with  deep  red ;  flesh  white, 
juicy,  breaking,  sub-acid,  very  rich  and  agreeable.  Ripens  early  in  August. 

PORTER.  This  variety,  says  Mr.  Manning,  originated  on  the  farm  of  the 
Rev.  Samuel  Porter,  of  Sherburne,  Massachusetts.  The  fruit  is  large,  ot 
oblong  shape ;  the  skin  a  bright  yellow,  with  a  red  blush ;  the  flesh  fine, 
sprightly,  and  agreeable.  Ripens  in  September  and  October. 

RED  ASTRACAN.  This  beautiful  apple  is  of  medium  size,  and  roundish  ; 
the  skin  is  dark  red,  covered  with  thick  bloom  like  a  plum ;  the  flesh  is 
white,  tender,  and  somewhat  acid.  At  perfection  early  in  August 


40  DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OF    APPLES. 

RSD  QUARENPON,  Devonshire  Quarenden.  Sack  Apple.  A  much  es- 
teemed Devonshire  apple ;  of  medium  size ;  skin  of  a  uniform  deep  rich 
crimson,  with  numerous  green  dots  intermixed  ;  flesh  of  a  brisk,  pleasant, 
and  peculiar  flavour.  A  very  desirable  dessert  apple :  from  August  to  Oc- 
tober ;  tree  very  productive. 

SUMMER  PIPPIN,  Pie  Apple.  This  fruit,  in  size  and  shape,  resembles 
the  Fall  Pippin  ;  it  differs  in  having  a  little  more  red  on  the  sunny  side, 
and  in  arriving  at  maturity  about  a  fortnight  earlier.  It  is  a  very  popular 
apple  in  New  Jersey. 

SUMMER  QUEEN.  A  large  oblong  apple,  striped  with  red  on  a  yellow 
ground  ;  the  flesh  is  yellow,  very  high  flavoured,  and  excellent.  The  tree 
is  of  vigorous  growth,  says  Mr.  Manning,  a  great  bearer,  and  ripens  its  fruit 
in  August. 

SUMMER  R.OSE,  Harvest  Apple.  A  very  beautiful  and  excellent  fruit,  of 
moderate  size  and  roundish  form ;  the  skin  is  yellow,  striped  and  mottled 
with  red  ;  the  flesh  is  sweet,  juicy,  and  fine :  in  July  and  August ;  tree  a 
great  bearer. 

WILLIAMS'S  EARLY,  Williams's  Favourite  Red.  This  apple  originated 
in  Roxbury,  Mass. ;  it  is  of  medium  size  ;  oblong  form  ;  the  skin  a  bright 
and  deep  red;  tbe  flavour  pleasant  and  agreeable.  The  Iree  is  a  great 
bearer,  and  its  fruit  commands  a  good  price  in  the  Boston  markets:  in  Au- 
gust and  September. 

AUTUMN    FRUIT. 
\ 

ALEXANDER,  Emperor  Alexander,  Aporta.  Fruit  very  larg-e,  somewhat 
cordate,  smallest  at  the  crown ;  of  a  greenish  yellow  colour,  striped  or  mar- 
bled with  red;  pulp  tender,  sweet,  rich,  and  aromatic:  ripens  in  October, 
and  lasts  till  Christmas. 

AMERICAN  NONPAREIL,  Doctor  Apple.  A  beautiful  apple  of  medium 
size  and  roundish  form  ;  its  colour  yellow,  streaked  and  stained  with  red 
on  the  sunny  side  ;  flesh  firm,  juicy,  and  agreeable.  A  very  fine  market 
apple  in  October  and  November.  Tree  a  great  bearer. 

BOXFORD.  A  very  superior  variety,  says  Mr.  Manning  ;  which  was  first 
cultivated  at  Boxford,  Massachusetts.  Fruit  roundish,  of  medium  size; 
skin  striped  with  red  and  yellow  ;  the  flesh,  yellow,  rich,  and  good.  The 
tree  is  a  great  bearer,  and  ripens  its  fruit  in  October. 

CUMBERLAND  SPICE.  A  fine  dessert  fruit,  large,  rather  oblong;  of  a 
pale  yellow  colour,  clouded  near  the  base ;  the  flesh  white,  tender,  and  of 
fine  flavour.  It  ripens  in  autumn,  and  will  keep  till  February. 

DOWNTON  PIPPIN,  Elton  Golden  Pippin,  Knighfs  Golden  Pippin.  The 
Downton  Golden  Pippin  is  a  most  abundant  bearer,  and  the  fruit  extreme- 
ly well  adapted  for  market;  it  is  rather  larger  than  the  common  Golden 
Pippin;  skin  nearly  smooth  ;  yellow,  sprinkled  with  numerous  specks; 
flesh  yellowish,  crisp,  with  a  brisk,  rich,  sub-acid  juice  •,  specific  gravity 
10.79.  Ripe  in  October  and  November,  and  will  keep  good  till  Christmas. 

DRAP  D'OR  OF  FRANCE,  Cloth  of  Gold.  This  apple  is  very  large  and 
handsome  5  its  form  globular;  its  colour  a  fine  yellow,  with  dark  specks; 
its  flesh  white,  firm,  and  rich  flavoured.  The  tree  bears  well,  and  should 
be  fonnd  in  every  good  collection.  Fruit  in  perfection  from  September  to 
November. 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OP    APPLES.  41 

FALL  HARVBY.  This  is  a  large  and  handsome  fruit,  the  shape  flat,  the 
skin  light  yellow,  with  a  bright  red  cheek  ;  flesh  yellow,  firm,  rich,  and  high 
flavoured.  Mr.  Manning  considered  it  "the  finest  Fall  and  Karly  Winter 
variety;  a  good  bearer,  and  deserving  extensive  cultivation." 

FALL  PIPPIN,  Cobbetfs  Fall  Pippin,  Re'mnete  Blanche  D'Espagne, 
IfExpagne,  De  Rateau,  Cnncombre  Ancien.  White  Spanish  Reinette,  Co- 
muesar.  This  extremely  va'uable  variety  stands  in  the  first  class  of  au- 
tumn fruits,  and  is  very  large ;  its  form  is  roundish  oblong  ;  skin  smooth, 
yellowish  green,  tinged  with  orange  ;  flesh  yellowish,  crisp,  and  tender, 
with  a  very  rich,  sugary  juice.  It  ripens  in  October,  and  keeps  well  as  a 
fall  apple. 

FAMEUSE,  Pomme  de  Neige.  A  Canadian  apple  of  ereat  beauty ;  in  size 
medium ;  skin  light  green,  stained  with  bright  red  ;  flesh  white,  very  ten- 
der; juice  saccharine,  with  a  musky  perfume :  ripe  in  October,  and  will 
keep  good  till  Christmas.  Tree  hardy  and  productive. 

GOLDEN  RUSSET,  Aromatic  Russet.  A  dessert  apple,  of  medium  size, 
and  of  a  pale  copper-coloured  rnsset ;  in  great  repute  for  its  rich  saccharine, 
aromatic,  and  slightly  musky  flavour.  The  tree  is  hardy  and  very  produc- 
tive :  in  October  and  November. 

GRAVENSTEIN.  Fruit  rather  large  and  compressed  ;  of  a  yellowish  green 
colour,  striped  with  red  ;  flesh  crisp,  and  hi?h  flavoured  :  ripens  in  October, 
and  lasts  till  April.  This  variety  originated  in  Germany,  and  is  considered 
the  best  dessert  apple  in  that  country. 

KENRICK'S  RED  AUTUMN.  A  native  apple  of  largish  dimensions,  raised 
by  John  Kenrick,  Esq.,  of  Newton,  Massachusetts;  colour  pale  green  in 
the  shade,  but  bright  red  next  the  sun,  and  streaked  with  deeper  red  ;  the 
flesh  white,  stained  more  or  less  with  red  ;  tender,  juicy,  and  rich,  with  an 
agreeable  sub-acid  flavour:  ripe  in  October. 

KII.HAM  HILL.  This  apple,  one  of  the  most  saleable  varieties  in  Sa- 
lem markets,  originated  on  the  farm  of  Dr.  Kilham,  in  Wenham,  Essex 
county,  Massachusetts ;  the  size  is  above  medium ;  form  a  little  oblong;  the 
skin  yellow,  striped  with  red ;  the  flesh  is  yellow  and  high  flavoured :  from 
September  to  November. 

MONMOUTH  PIPPIN.  This  variety  originated  in  Monmouth  county,  New 
Jersey.  It  is  above  medium  size,  of  greenish  colour,  striped  with  red ;  flesh 
firm,  and  of  pleasant  flavour.  It  is  considered  one  of  the  most  saleable 
and  productive  varieties  of  the  season ;  and  will  keep  good  till  after  Christ- 
mas. 

ORANGE  SWEETING,  Yellow  Sweeting,  Golden  Sweeting.  This  variety 
is  much  cultivated  near  Hartford,  Connecticut,  for  the  Boston,  Providence, 
and  Philadelphia  markets ;  the  fruit  is  rather  large,  flattened  at  its  base  and 
summit ;  the  colour  yellow,  or  orange ;  flesh  very  sweet  and  excellent :  from 
September  to  December. 

RED  INGESTRIE.  A  first-rate  dessert  apple,  of  medium  size,  and  bright 
yellow  colour,  deeply  tinged  with  red ;  raised  by  Mr.  Knight,  President  ot 
the  London  Horticultural  Society.  The  tree  bears  well  in  America,  and 
ripens  its  fruit  in  October,  which  is  very  rich,  juicy,  high  flavoured,  and 
grateful  to  the  palate. 

RED  AND  GRF.EN  SWKETINO.  Prince's  Large  Red  and  Green  Sweeting. 
The  fruit  is  of  oblong  shape  ;  colour  green,  striped  with  red  ;  the  pulp  is 
very  sweet,  tender,  and  of  delicious  flavour:  from  September  to  Novembe? 

4* 


42  DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OF    APPLES. 

SKEK  NO  FARTHER,  Rambo,  or  Romanite.  This  apple  is  much  culti- 
vated in  Pennsylvania  and  New  Jersey.  Its  form  is  flat,  resembling  the 
Vandervere  in  appearance,  but  is  a  more  juicy  fruit ;  the  skin  pale  yellow, 
streaked  with  red;  flesh  tender  and  sprightly  during  the  autumn  months. 

STROAT,  Straat.  A  fine  autumn  apple,  introduced  by  the  late  Jesse 
Buel,  Esq.,  of  Albany;  in  size  medium;  form  rather  oblong ;  skin  yellow- 
ish green  ;  flesh  yellow  and  tender  ;  juice  rich  and  lively  :  in  use  from  Sep- 
tember to  December. 

YELLOW  INGESTRIE.  A  beautiful  apple,  raised  by  Mr.  Knight.  President 
of  the  London  Horticultural  Society.  The  size  is  small,  form  round  and 
regular ;  the  colour  of  the  skin  golden  yellow,  with  some  black  spots  ;  the 
flesh  yellow,  firm,  and  delicate.  The  tree  is  an  abundant  bearer,  and  ripens 
its  fruit  in  October.  The  late  Judge  Buel  considered  this  variety  as  likely 
to  rival  the  Lady  apple  as  a  fashionable  fruit. 

YORK  RUSSETING.  A  very  large  russety  apple,  well  known  about  Bos- 
ton. Its  form  is  rather  oblong ;  its  flesh  pleasant  and  agreeably  acid ;  an 
excellent  apple  :  from  October  to  December. 

WINTER    FRUIT. 

JEsopvs  SPITZENBURG.  A  beautiful  apple  ;  large  and  oval ;  of  red  co- 
our,  covered  with  numerous  white  specks  ;  the  flesh  is  yellowish  ;  slightly 
acid,  and  of  the  finest  flavour  :  ripens  in  October,  and  continues  good  till 
February. 

BALDWIN.  No  apple  in  the  Boston  markets  is  more  popular  than  this  ; 
it  is  rather  above  medium  size  ;  its  form  round  ;  its  colour  bright  red, 
streaked  with  yellow  ;  its  flesh  is  juicy,  rich,  saccharine,  with  a  most  agree- 
able acid  flavour.  The  tree  bears  fruit  abundantly,  which  ripens  in  Novem 
ber,  and  keeps  till  February  or  March. 

BARCELONA  PEARMAIN,  Speckled  Golden  Reinette,  Reinette  Rouge 
Reinctte  Rousse,  Reinette  des  Carmen,  Glace  Rouge,  Kleiner  Casseler  Ro 
incite.  This  variety  is  said  to  be  a  very  productive  and  excellent  dessex* 
apple;  fruit  of  medium  size;  oval,  not  angular;  colour  brownish  yellov* 
in  the  shade,  deep  red  next  the  sun ;  flesh  firm,  yellowish,  with  a  rich  aro- 
matic agreeable  acid:  from  November  till  February. 

BEAUTY  OF  THE  WEST.  A  large,  oblate,  beautiful  fruit,  of  yellow  and 
red  colour ;  its  flesh  juicy,  rich,  saccharine,  and  firm.  A  good  marketable 
apple  from  November  until  March. 

BELL  FLOWER.  A  very  large  and  beautiful  apple  ;  its  colour  bright  yel- 
low, with  an  occasional  blush  on  the  sunny  side;  its  form  oblong ;  the  flesh 
tender,  juicy,  rich,  and  finely  flavoured,  and  is  alike  excellent  for  the  dessert 
and  for  cooking.  It  ripens  early  in  November,  and  will  keep  all  the  win- 
ter. It  is  a  valuable  market  fruit. 

BLENHEIM  PIPPIN,  Woodstock  Pippin,  Blenheim  Orange.  Fruit  large, 
roundish,  of  a  yellowish  colour,  tinged  with  red  next  the  sun  ;  pulp  sweet 
and  high  flavoured  :  ripe  in  November,  and  keeps  till  March:  a  very  supe- 
rior dessert  apple. 

BLUE  PEARMAIN  This  variety  is  well  known  about  Boston  as  a  large 
apple,  of  red  colour,  covered  with  a  dense  blue  bloom,  and  of  a  delicious 
flavour  ;  good  as  a  dessert  or  for  cooking :  from  October  to  January  TflO 
tree  grows  strong,  and  is  very  productive. 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OP   APPLES.  43 

COURT  PENDU,  Capendu,  Court  Pendu  Plat,  Garnmi's  Apple  An  es- 
timable dessert  apple,  of  medium  size  ;  in  shape  round,  depressed  ;  the  co- 
lour yellow,  a  good  deal  covered  with  full  red  ;  it  is  of  a  high  saccharine 
flavour  and  of  close  consistence  ;  the  fruit  keeps  till  February  or  March. 
The  tree  grows  upright,  and  boars  weU. 

DANVERS  WINTER  SWEET,  Epses  Sweet,  Danvers  Sweeting.  This  va- 
riety originated  at  Danvers,  near  Salem,  Massachusetts;  fruit  of  medium 
size  ;  a  little  oblong  ;  skin  yellow,  slightly  tinged  with  red  ;  its  flesh  sweet 
and  excellent  cooked,  or  as  a  dessert:  from  November  to  April.  The  tree  is 
a  great  bearer,  and  of  rapid  growth. 

DOMINE,  Domini.  A  first  rate  winter  apple,  of  medium  size  and  green- 
ish yellow  colour,  clouded  with  brown  blotches  ;  the  flesh  is  juicy,  tender, 
and  excellent.  Tree  a  great  bearer. 

GOLDEN  BALL,  Golden  Apple.  A  beautiful  and  superior  fruit  from  the 
State  of  Maine ;  of  large  size  and  goldpn  yellow  colour  ;  flesh  firm  ;  juice 
very  rich,  sweet,  aromatic,  with  a  good  proportion  of  acid.  It  will  keep 
good  from  November  to  April. 

GOLDEN  HARVEY,  Brandy  Apple.  A  dessert  apple,  not  larger  than  the 
Golden  Pippin  ;  colour  light  yellow,  with  a  flush  of  red,  and  embroidered 
with  aroughish  russet.  It  is  called  Brandy  Apple  from  th«  superior  spe- 
cific strength  of  its  juice,  being  10.85 ;  it  is  of  remarkably  close  texture, 
very  rich  in  flavour,  and  will  kepp  till  April  or  May. 

GREEN  SWEET,  Green  Sweeting,  Green  Winter  Sweet.  This  apple  is 
much  cultivated  in  Massachusetts.  It  is  of  medium  size;  the  skin  dull 
green,  approaching  to  yellow  ;  the  flesh  very  sweet  and  delicious.  It  pos- 
sesses the  valuable  properly  of  retaining  its  soundness  till  May  or  June. 

HUBBAKDSTON  NONESUCH.  A  large  apple  of  globular  form  ;  red  and 
yellow  colour,  streaked  and  blotched ;  the  flesh  is  juicy  and  of  excellent 
flavour  :  from  December  to  March.  The  tree  is  of  vigorous  growth,  a  great 
bearer,  and  worthy  of  extensive  cultivation. 

JONATHAN,  King  Philip,  New  Spitzen burgh,  Philip  Rick.  A  winter 
fruit  very  generally  admired  in  the  State  of  New  York.  It  is  of  medium 
size  ;  the  skin  of  pa'e  yellow  and  bright  red  colour,  occasionally  tinged  with 
purple ;  flesh  tender,  juice  abundant,  and  highly  flavoured.  This  fruit  will 
keep  till  May. 

LADY  APPLE,  Pomme,  d'Api.  Fruit  small,  flat;  of  pale  yellow  colour, 
tinged  with  a  deep  red  on  the  side;  flesh  crisp,  sprightly,  and  pleasant: 
ripens  in  November,  and  continues  till  April.  It  is  a  very  saleable  fruit 
on  account  of  its  great  beauty. 

LADIES'  SWEETING,  Winter  Sweeting.  This  apple  is  above  medium 
size;  conical;  skin  yellow,  streaked,  and  mottled  with  red  5  flesh  juicy, 
sweet,  and  high  flavoured  :  from  November  to  May. 

LEMON  PIPPIN.  An  old  and  much  esteemed  dessert  apple;  of  medium 
size  and  oval  shape,  much  like  a  lemon  both  in  form  and  colour,  having  a 
firm  texture,  brisk  flavour,  and  plenty  of  acid :  from  October  to  March. 
Tree  handsome,  and  a  great  bearer. 

MAIDEN'S  BLUSH,  Hawthorndcn.  Fruit  large,  roundish  ;  skin,  pale 
greenish  yellow,  tinged  with  blush  ;  the  pulp  is  white,  tender,  juicy,  and 
acid  ;  and  the  fruit  is  good  for  the  table  as  well  as  for  all  kitchen  purposes: 
in  September  and  October.  The  tree  is  hardy  and  prolific. 

MALCARLE,  Charles  Apple,  Mela  Carla,  Pomme  Finale.     A  far-famed 


44  DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OP    APPLES. 

fruit.  In  the  climate  of  Italy,  this  is  supposed  to  be  the  best  apple  in  the 
world.  It  is  cultivated  extensively  in  the  territories  of  Genoa,  as  an  article 
of  export  and  commerce  to  Nice,  Barcelona,  Cadiz,  and  Marseilles  The 
fruit  is  rather  large,  its  form  inclining  to  globular.  Its  beautiful  waxen  skin 
is  a  little  marbled  with  a  very  faint  green  near  the  eye  ;  its  colour  in  the 
shade  is  a  pale  yellow,  tinged  with  flaming  crimson  next  the  sun  ;  the  flesh 
is  white,  tender,  delicate,  sweet,  with  the  fragrant  perfume  of  roses.  It 
ripens  in  September,  and  will  keep  till  spring. 

MENAGERE.  Mr.  Manning  pronounced  this  to  be  the  largest  apple  he 
had  seen ;  the  form  is  flat  like  a  large  English  turnip ;  the  skin  of  a  light 
yellow;  the  flesh  pleasant,  but  more  adapted  to  the  kitchen  than  the  des- 
sert :  from  October  to  February.  It  bears  well  trained  as  a  dwarf. 

MINISTER.  A  native  apple  of  large  size,  and  oblong  shape  ;  the  skin  a 
light  greenish  yellow,  striped  with  bright  red  ;  flesh  yellow,  light,  high  fla- 
voured, and  excellent  Mr.  Manning  considered  this  as  one  of  the  finest 
fruits  that  New  England  ever  produced.  It  ripens  in  November,  and  will 
keep  till  after  Christmas. 

MONSTROUS  PIPPIN,  Baltimore,  Gloria  Mundi,  Ox  Apple.  Fruit  of  enor- 
mous size,  often  weighing  twenty-five  ounces  or  more;  of  a  pale  yellowish 
green  and  blush  colour,  with  white  spots ;  and  of  a  sprightly  flavour  ;  ex 
cellent  for  cooking  :  ripens  in  October,  and  continues  fit  for  use  till  January 

MURPHV.  This  apple  in  appearance  resembles  the  Blue  Pearmain  ;  the 
shape  is  more  oblong,  the  size  not  so  larue ;  the  skin  pale  red,  streaked  or 
blotched  with  darker  red,  and  covered  with  blue  bloom  ;  flesh  white,  tender, 
and  good.  Raised  from  seed  by  Mr.  Murphy,  and  introduced  to  notice  by 
Mr.  Manning. 

NEWTOWN  PIPPIN,  American  Newtown  Pippin,  Yellow  Newtmvn  Pip- 
pin. This  variety,  when  perfectly  matured,  is  considered  by  some  the  finest 
apple  in  our  country ;  its  skin  is  green,  changing  to  an  olive  yellow  at  ma- 
turity, having  a  thin  russet  covering  the  greatest  part  of  the  base  ;  flesh 
pale  yellow  and  firm  ;  juice  saccharine,  and  possessing  a  rich  and  highly 
aromatic  flavour:  from  December  to  April. 

NEWTOWN  SPITZENBURG,  Matchless.  A  beautiful  apple  of  medium  size; 
skin  streaked,  and  tinned  with  red  and  yellow;  flesh  yellow,  rich,  and  high- 
ly flavoured:  from  October  till  February. 

NORFOLK  BTAUFIN.  Fruit  middling  size,  flattish,  of  a  deep  red  and  pale 
green  colour  ;  the  flesh  is  firm  and  savoury  ;  the  tree  hardy,  upright,  and 
a  good  bearer;  fruit  excellent  for  use  in  the  kitchen,  and  highly  esteemed 
for  the  dessert.  It  ripens  in  November,  and  is  frequently  to  be  obtained 
in  England  in  July  following. 

ORTI.EY  PIPPIN,  Orfley  Apple,  Vandyne,  Woolman's  Long  nf  Prince.  A 
fruit  very  much  resembling  the  Yellow  Newtown  Pippin,  but  a  little  more 
oval;  skin  olive  yellow  at  maturity,  partially  covered  with  pink  and  rus- 
set; flesh  yellow,  crisp,  and/breaking;  very  juicy,  with  the  same  pine-apple 
flavour  which  distinguishes  the  Newtown  Pippin :  good  from  November  to 
April. 

PENNOCK'S  RED  WINTER,  Pelican.  Fruit  very  large  and  compressed; 
of  deep  red  colour,  streaked  with  yellow  ;  flesh  tender,  juicy,  and  of  a 
sweet  and  pleasant  flavour  :  ripens  in  November,  and  will  keep  good  till 
March.  It  is  a  evry  popular  apple  in  the  Philadelphia  markets 

PUMPKIN  SWEET,  RamsdeCs  Red  Pumpkin  Sweet.     A  beautiful  fruit, 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OF    APPLES.  45 

over  medium  size,  round,  inclined  to  oblong ;  of  a  dark  red  colour,  covered 
with  dense  blue  bloom  ;  flesh  tender,  rich,  and  sweet  It  ripens  in  Novem- 
ber, and  keeps  till  January.  The  trees  bear  prodigious  crops. 

RHODE  ISLAND  GRKENING.  Fruit  large  and  depressed;  skin  at  ma- 
turity greenish  yellow ;  flesh  slightly  acid,  and  of  the  finest  flavour  :  ripens 
in  November,  and  continues  till  April.  A  most  estimable  apple  for  cooking 
as  well  as  for  the  dessert 

RIBS i ONE  PIPPIN,  Formosa  Pippin,  Travels  Apple,  Glory  rf  Yark. 
Fruit  of  medium  size,  roundish,  and  partially  depressed  ;  of  a  pale  yellow 
colour,  tinged  with  red  ;  pulp  slightly  acid,  and  of  fine  flavour :  ripens  in 
November,  and  continues  till  April.  It  is  one  of  the  most  popular  dessert 
apples  in  England. 

ROXBURY  HUSSET,  Boston  Russet,  Pineapple  Russet.  This  variety  is 
cultivated  extensively  in  Massachusetts  for  the  Boston  markets,  and  for  ex- 
portation. The  fruit  is  of  medium  size;  of  a  fine  yellow  russet  colour, 
mixed  with  dull  red;  flesh  white,  juicy,  rich,  sub-acid,  and  excellent;  for 
use  in  winter,  and  will  keep  till  June. 

SWAAR  APPLE.  A  much  celebrated  winter  table  fruit  in  some  parts  of 
New  York  and  New  Jersey }  it  is  a  large  apple  of  uncommon  flavour  and 
richness;  skin  of  a  greenish  yellow,  tinged  with  blush.  The  tree  is  very 
productive,  and  highly  deserving  cultivation  in  every  collection  of  fine  fruit 
Good  till  March. 

VANDEVERE.  An  apple  of  medium  size,  the  form  flat;  skin  pale  red, 
with  rough  yellowish  blotches;  flesh  yellow  and  tender ;  juice  plentiful, 
rich,  and  sprightly:  from  October  till  January. 

WESTERN  RUSSET,  Putnam's  Russet.  This  variety  is  extensively  cul- 
tivated in  Muskingum  county,  Ohio,  where  it  is  esteemed  above  all  others 
of  their  fine  winter  varieties.  It  is  above  the  middle  size,  of  a  greenish 
yellow  colour,  covered  with  russety  blotches,  and  will  keep  all  the  winter. 

WHITE  WINTER  CALVILLE,  Calville  Blanche  d'Hiver,  Bonnet  Carre. 
This  fruit  is  large  ;  its  colour  at  maturity  bright  yellow,  tinged  with  red  ; 
its  form  rather  flat;  flesh  white,  tender,  and  pleasant:  from  November  to 
March.  Tree  an  abundant  bearer. 

WINE  APPLK,  Hay's  Winter,  Large  Winter  Red.  Fine  Winter.  A  va- 
riety highly  esteemed  in  the  Philadelphia  markets ;  the  fruit  is  large ;  of 
bright  red  colour,  striped  with  yellow,  the  stalk  end  russety ;  its  flesh  is 
rich,  aromatic,  and  pleasant:  from  October  to  February.  The  tree  bear* 
young  and  abundantly. 

CIDER    FRUIT. 

CAMPTIELD.  OR  NEWARK  SWEETING.  This  apple  is  next  in  reputation, 
as  a  cider  fruit,  to  the  Harrison,  and  is  often  mixed  with  that  apple  in  equ.il 
proportions  when  ground  ;  it  is  of  the  middle  size,  skin  smooth,  of  red  ami 
yellow  colour;  the  flesh  is  white,  firm,  sweet,  and  rich. 

GRANNIWINKI.E.  Fruit  of  moderate  size,  rather  oblong  j  the  skin  a  dark 
red,  somewhat  rough  ;  flesh  yellow,  sweet,  and  rich.  It  is  commonly 
mixed  with  the  Harrison  for  making  cider  of  a  superior  quality  :  ripe  in 
November. 

H  EWE'S  VIRGINIA  CRAB.  From  this  fruit  is  obtained  the  celebrated 
Crab  Cider ,  it  is  of  small  size,  nearly  round ;  skin  of  a  dull  red,  streaket 


46  APRICOT. 

with  greenish  yellow ;  the  flesh  is  fibrous  and  astringent ;  juice  acid  and 
austere. 

HARRISON,  Harrison's  Newark.  This  fruit  is  much  celebrated  in  New 
Jersey  as  a  cider  apple;  it  is  somewhat  ovate,  below  the  middle  size;  the 
skin  is  yellow,  with  black  spots  ;  flesh  yellow,  firm,  rich,  and  sprightly. 
Ten  bushels  will  make  a  barrel  of  exquisite  cider,  from  which  may  be  taken 
fourteen  quarts  of  distilled  spirits. 


APRICOT. 
ABRICOTIER.     Prunus  Jlrmeniaca. 

THE  fruit  of  the  Apricot  is  next  in  esteem  to  the  Peach, 
and  as  it  ripens  three  or  four  weeks  earlier,  should  be  more 
generally  cultivated.  The  flowers  appear  in  April,  on  the 
shoots  of  the  preceding  year,  and  on  spurs  of  two  or  more 
years'  growth,  and  the  fruit  ripens  in  July  and  August.  The 
London  Horticultural  Society's  catalogue  describes  fifty-four 
sorts,  and  Messrs.  Prince  have  eighteen  in  their  catalogue ; 
besides  these,  is  the  Peach  Apricot,  a  large  fruit,  supposed 
to  be  a  hybrid  between  a  Peach  and  an  Apricot. 

Our  enterprising  fellow  citizen,  Mr.  William  Shaw,  has 
succeeded  for  many  years  in  maturing  large  quantities  of  this 
excellent  fruit  on  standards  ;  but  they  ripen  best  when  trained 
against  close  fences.  In  England  some  of  the  varieties  are 
cultivated  as  standards  and  espaliers ;  but  they  seldom  bear 
much  fruit  under  ten  or  twelve  years,  and  then  the  fruit  is 
abundant  and  of  the  finest  flavour.  They  are  commonly  cul- 
tivated as  wall  trees,  in  an  east  or  west  aspect ;  for  if  they 
are  planted  to  face  the  south,  the  great  heat  causes  them  to 
be  mealy  before  they  are  eatable.  New  varieties  are  pro- 
cured from  seed,  as  in  the  Peach,  and  approved  sorts  are 
perpetuated  by  budding  on  plum  stocks,  &c. 

The  vaiieties  of  the  Apricot,  in  general,  bear  chiefly  apon 
the  young  shoots  of  last  year,  and  casually  upon  small  .spurs 
rising  on  the  two  or  three  years'  old  fruit  branches.  The 
Moor  Park  bears  chiefly  on  the  last  year's  shoots,  and  on 


APRICOT.  47 

close  spurs  formed  on  the  two  year  old  wood.  The  bearing 
shoots  emit  the  blossom  buds  immediately  from  the  eyes 
along  the  sides,  and  the  buds  have  a  round  and  swelling  ap- 
pearance. 

Apricot  trees  may  be  planted  at  any  time  after  the  head 
is  formed  :  some  head  them  down  in  the  nursery  bed,  and 
remove  them  to  their  destined  places  when  five  or  six  years 
old. 

Standards  will  require  only  occasional  pruning,  to  regulate 
such  branches  as  may  be  too  numerous,  too  extended,  or 
cross  formed,  and  to  remove  any  casually  unfruitful  parts 
and  dead  wood  ;  but  the  regular  branches,  forming  the  head 
of  the  tree,  should  not  be  shortened  unless  necessary. 

The  general  culture  of  the  wall  Apricots  comprehends  a 
summer  and  winter  course  of  regulation,  by  pruning  and 
training.  The  fan  method  is  generally  adopted,  but  some 
prefer  training  horizontally.  With  young  trees  some  con- 
trive to  fill  the  wall  by  heading  down  twice  a  year. 

The  winter,  or  early  spring  management,  comprehends  a 
general  regulation  both  of  the  last  year's  shoots  and  the 
older  branches.  A  general  supply  of  the  most  regularly 
situated  young  shoots  must  be  every  where  retained,  for  suc- 
cessional  bearers  the  ensuing  year.  Cut  out  such  branches 
as  are  not  furnished  with  competent  supplies  of  young  wood, 
or  with  fruit  spurs,  to  make  room  for  training  the  most  pro- 
mising branches  retained.  Generally,  observe  in  this  pruning, 
to  retain  one  leading  shoot  at  the  end  of  each  branch ;  either 
a  naturally  placed  terminal,  or  one  formed  by  cutting  (where 
a  vacancy  is  to  be  furnished)  into  a  proper  leader.  Let  the 
shoots  retained  for  bearers  be  moderately  shortened ;  reduce 
strong  shoots  in  the  least  proportion — cutting  off  one  fourth 
or  less  of  their  length  ;  from  weak  shoots  take  away  a  third, 
and  sometimes  a  half.  This  shortening  will  conduce  to  tho 
production  of  a  good  supply  of  lateral  shoots  the  ensuing 
summer,  from  the  lower  and  middle  placed  eyes ;  whereas 
without  it,  the  new  shoots  would  proceed  mostly  from  the 


48  APRICOTS. 

top,  and  leave  the  under  part  of  the  principal  branches  naked, 
and  the  lower  and  middle  parts  of  the  tree  unfurnished  with 
proper  supplies  of  bearing  wood.  Never  prune  below  all 
the  blossom  buds,  except  to  provide  wood,  in  which  case 
cut  nearer  to  the  origin  of  the  branch.  As,  in  these  trees, 
small  fruit  spurs,  an  inch  or  two  long,  often  appear  on  some 
of.  the  two  or  three  years'  branches  furnished  with  blossom 
buds,  these  spurs  should  generally  be  retained  for  bearing. 
As  each  tree  is  pruned,  lay  in  the  branches  and  shoots  from 
three  to  six  inches  distance,  and  nail  them  straight  or  close 
to  the  fence  or  wall. 

The  summer  pruning  is  principally  to  regulate  the  young 
shoots  of  the  same  year.  In  the  first  place,  take  off  close 
all  the  irregular  foremost  shoots,  taking  care  to  retain  a  com- 
petent supply  of  close  side  shoots,  with  a  good  leader  to  each 
parent  branch.  Continue  these  mostly  at  full  length  all  the 
summer,  regularly  trained  in,  to  procure  a  sufficiency  to 
choose  from  in  the  general  winter  pruning,  for  new  bearers 
the  next  year. 

If  the  summer  regulation  commences  early,  while  the 
shoots  are  quite  young,  and,  as  it  were,  herbaceous,  those 
improper  to  retain  may  be  detached  with  the  finger  and 
thumb ;  but  when  of  firmer  growth,  they  must  be  removed 
with  the  knife.  If  any  very  strong  shoots  rise  in  any  part 
where  the  wood  is  deficient,  they  may  be  topped  in  June, 
which  will  cause  them  to  produce  several  laterals  the  same 
year,  eligible  for  training  in,  to  supply  the  vacancy. 

Sometimes  the  fruit  is  much  too  numerous,  if  not  destroyed 
by  insects,  often  growing  in  clusters ;  in  which  case  thin 
them  while  in  a  young,  green  state,  leaving  the  most  pro- 
minent fruit  singly,  at  three  or  four  inches  distance,  or  from 
about  two  to  six  on  the  respective  shoots,  according  to  their 
strength.  The  Apricots  so  thinned  off,  and  the  first  princi 
pal  green  fruit,  are  very  fine  for  tarts. 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OP    APRICOTS.  49 


SELECT  DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  APRICOTS. 

BREDA,  Abricot  de  Hollande,  Amande  Aveline,  Royal  Persian.  Fruit 
medium  size,  of  a  round  form,  and  deep  yellow  colour;  the  pulp  is  soft 
and  juicy ;  the  tree  is  a  great  bearer,  and  the  fruit,  which  ripens  early  in 
August,  is  in  great  esteem. 

BRUSSELS.  Highly  esteemed  for  its  productiveness;  fruit  medium  size, 
inclining  to  an  oval  form ;  of  a  yellow  colour,  and  next  the  sun  covered 
with  numerous  dark  spots;  the  flesh  is  of  a  greenish  yellow  colour,  of  a 
brisk  flavour,  and  not  liable  to  become  mealy :  ripens  in  August. 

BLOTCHED  LEAVED  ROMAN,  Blotch  Leaved  Turkey,  Variegated  Turkey, 
Abricot  Macule  of  the  French.  Fruit  middle  size,  in  form  slightly  com- 
pressed, inclining  to  oval ;  skin  dull  straw  colour,  with  orange  or  red  spots ; 
flesh  pale  straw  colour,  soft,  dry,  rather  mealy  ;  kernel  rather  bitter.  A  very 
hardy  and  productive  variety ;  ripe  towards  the  end  of  July. 

EARLY  ORANGE,  Royal  George,  Royal  Orange.  The  fruit  of  a  medium 
size  ;  of  a  deep  yellow  colour,  spotted  with  red  or  dark  purple  next  the 
sun  ;  flesh  deep  orange,  succulent,  and  well  flavoured ;  not  perfectly  a  free 
stone  :  ripens  early  in  August. 

HKMSKIRKE.  Fruit  middle  sized,  roundish,  slightly  compressed;  of  a 
bright  yellow  colour;  flesh  tender,  juicy,  with  a  particularly  rich,  delicate 
flavour,  resembling  that  of  the  Green  Gage  Plum  :  ripe  in  July 

LARGE  EARLY  APHTCOT,  Abricit  Gros  Precoce,  Abricot  de  St.  Jean, 
Abricot  de  St.  Jean  rouge,  Abricot  gros  d' Alexandria.  Fruit  somewhat 
oblong ;  skin  downy,  orange,  spotted  with  red ;  flesh  orange,  juicy,  and 
rich,  parting  from  the  stone.  This  is  the  earliest  of  all  apricots ;  in  France 
it  has  ripened  by  midsummer  day,  whence  its  name  of  A.  de  St.  Jean. 

MOORPARK,  Anson's,  Temple's,  Dunmore's  Breda.  The  tree  is  of  vigo- 
rous growth,  and  extraordinarily  productive ;  the  fruit  is  very  large ;  of  a 
bright  gold  colour,  or  orange,  with  dark  spots  next  the  sun ;  flesh  orange 
colour,  melting,  and  excellent :  ripens  in  August. 

MUSCH,  Musch.  A  fine  new  variety  from  Persia;  in  shape  round  ;  of  a 
deep  yellow  colour,  and  remarkable  for  the  transparency  of  its  pulp,  through 
which  the  stone  is  visible ;  the  flesh  is  very  fine  and  agreeable :  ripens  in 
July. 

PEACH  APRICOT,  Abricot  Peche,  Abricot  de  Nancy,  Imperial  Ansons. 
This  is  a  first-rate  fruit ;  form  variable,  generally  flattened  ;  skin  slightly 
downy  ;  fawn  colour  next  the  sun,  tinged  with  reddish  spots  or  points ; 
pulp  yellow,  melting,  juice  abundant,  high  flavoured,  and  excellent  :•  ripens 
early  in  August. 

PURPLE,  Alexandrian  Abricot,  Abrjcot  Angoumois,  Abricot  Violet,  Black 
Apricot.  A  small,  globular,  downy  fruit,  a  little  oblong;  of  a  pale  red  co- 
lour, becoming  deep  red  or  purple  next  the  sun  ;  flesh  pale  red,  but  orange 
next  the  stone ;  a  little  acid,  but  good :  ripens  in  August. 

RED  MASCULINE,  Abricot  Precoce,  Abricot  Hatif  Musque,  Early  Mascu- 
line. This  is  an  old  and  very  early  variety ;  the  fruit  of  which  is  small, 
of  a  roundish  form,  and  greenish  red  colour  ;  the  pulp  is  tender  ;  the  tree 
a  good  bearer,  and  the  fruit  esteemed  for  its  earliness  and  tart  taste ;  ripen* 
in  July. 

5 


60  ALMOND. 

ROYAL,  Abricot  Royale.  This  fruit  is  next  in  size  to  the  Moorpark  j 
rather  oval,  compressed ;  of  dull  yellow  colour,  slightly  red ;  flesh  pale 
orange,  firm,  juicy,  sweet,  and  high  flavoured,  with  a  slight  acid :  ripens 
early  in  August. 

TURKEY,  Large  Turkey.  A  superior  apricot ;  fruit  of  a  medium  size ; 
deep  yellow  colour,  with  red  blotches  next  the  sun;  form  globular ;  flesh 
firm,  juicy,  rich,  and  excellent:  ripe  in  July  and  August. 

WHITE  APRICOT,  White  Masculine,  Abricot  Blanc.  Fruit,  in  size  and 
figure,  similar  to  the  Red  Masculine.  Skin  nearly  white;  flesh  white,  very 
delicate }  juice  sweet,  with  an  agreeable  peach-like  flavour.  Ripe  in  July. 


ALMOND. 
AMANDIER.     Jlmygdahw. 

ALTHOUGH  Almonds  are  not  much  cultivated  in  this  part 
of  our  country,  they  are  entitled  to  notice.  The  species  are 
fruit  trees,  or  ornamental  trees  and  shrubs,  both  much  es- 
teemed for  the  gay  colour  and  early  appearance  of  their 
flowers ;  these  vary  in  their  colour  from  the  fine  blush  of 
the  apple  blossom  to  a  snowy  whiteness.  The  chief  obvious 
distinction  is  in  the  fruit,  which  is  flatter,  with  a  coriaceous 
covering,  instead  of  the  rich  pulp  of  the  Peach  and  Necta- 
rine, opening  spontaneously  when  the  kernel  is  ripe.  It  is 
a  native  of  Barbary,  China,  and  most  eastern  countries. 
There  are  twelve  <sorts  described  in  the  catalogue  of  the 
Linnaean  Botanic  Garden  at  Flushing ;  some  of  which  are 
represented  as  new  varieties  from  France  and  Italy,  where 
they  are  cultivated  extensively  for  their  fruit. 

In  France,  they  have  above  a  dozen  species  or  varieties, 
besides  a  hybrid,  called  the  Almond  Peach.  The  common 
and  bitter  Almond  are  only  to  be  distinguished  by  the  taste 
of  the  kernels  of  their  fruit,  which  is  the  only  part  used. 
The  tender-shelled  is  in  the  greatest  esteem,  and  next,  the 
Sweet,  and  Jordan.  The  bitter  cuticle  or  skin  of  Almonds  is 
taken  off  by  immersion  in  boiling  water. 

The  sweet  Almond  and  other  varieties  are  used  as  a  des- 
sert in  a  green  or  imperfectly  ripe,  and  also  in  a  ripe  or 


CHERRY.  51 

dried  state.     They  are  much  used  in  cookery,  confectionary, 
perfumery,  and  medicine. 

The  Almond  is  propagated  by  seed  for  varieties,  or  for 
stocks ;  and  by  budding  on  its  own,  or  on  Plum  stocks,  for 
continuing  varieties.  The  Almond  tree  bears  chiefly  on  the 
young  wood  of  the  previous  year,  and  in  part  upon  small 
spurs  or  minor  branches;  it  is  therefore  pruned  like  the 
Apricot  and  Peach,  and  its  culture  in  other  respects  is  the 
same. 


CHERRY. 
CERISIER.     Primus  cerasus. 

THE  Cherry,  of  the  cultivated  varieties,  is  said  to  have 
oeen  first  introduced  into  Italy  in  the  year  73,  from  a  town  in 
Pontus,  in  Asia,  called  Cerasus,  whence  its  specific  name ; 
and  it  was  introduced  into  Britain  one  hundred  and  twenty 
years  afterward. 

The  Romans  had  eight  species  in  Pliny's  time,  red,  black, 
tender-fleshed,  hard-fleshed,  small  bitter-flavoured,  and  heart- 
shaped.  There  are  now  upward  of  two  hundred  in  cultiva- 
tion. The  French  divide  their  Cherries  into  griottes,  or 
tender-fleshed ;  bigarreau,  or  heart-shaped ;  and  guignes,  or 
small  fruit.  The  fruit  of  many  varieties  is  somewhat  heart- 
shaped,  whence  they  are  called  ox-heart,  white-heart,  black- 
heart,  &c.;  why  some  sorts  are  called  dukes,  is  not  so  ob- 
vious. The  morello  cherry  is  very  different  from  the  other 
varieties,  bearing  almost  exclusively  from  the  preceding 
year's  wood,  and  the  pulp  of  the  fruit  having  the  consistence 
and  flavour  of  the  fungi  called  morel,  whence  the  name. 
The  Chinese  Cherry  is  valuable  on  account  of  its  bearing  an 
excellent  fruit,  and  ripening  it  in  forcing-houses. 

Cherries  are  grafted  or  budded  on  seedlings  from  Cherry 
stones,  and  from  seedlings  of  the  red  and  black  mazzard. 
For  dwarfing  they  are  worked  on  the  morello,  or  perfumed 


52  CHERRY. 

Cherry ;  the  latter  is  preferred  in  Holland.  In  this  country, 
the  budding  system  is  more  frequently  practised  on  the  va~ 
rious  species  of  stone  fruit  than  grafting. 

Cherry  trees,  in  general,  produce  the  fruit  upon  small 
spurs  or  studs,  from  half  an  inch  to  two  inches  in  length, 
which  proceed  from  the  sides  and  ends  of  the  two  year, 
three  year,  and  older  branches ;  and  as  new  spurs  continue 
shooting  from  the  extreme  parts,  it  is  a  maxim  in  pruning 
both  standards  and  espaliers,  not  to  shorten  the  bearing 
branches  when  there  is  room  for  their  regular  extension. 

The  Morello  is  in  some  degree  an  exception,  as  it  bears 
principally  on  the  shoots  of.  the  preceding  year,  the  fruit 
proceeding  immediately  from  the  eyes  of  shoots ;  and  bears 
but  casually,  and  in  a  small  degree,  on  close  spurs  formed 
on  the  two-year-old  wood,  and  scarcely  ever  on  wood  of  the 
third  year ;  therefore,  in  pruning,  leave  a  supply  of  young 
shoots  on  all  the  branches  from  the  origin  to  the  extremity 
of  the  tree,  for  next  year's  bearers. 

All  kinds  of  Cherry  trees,  except  the  Morello,  are  apt  to 
glow  very  tall ;  to  remedy  this,  and  to  enable  them  to  form 
handsome  heads,  the  leading  shoot  should  be  cut  off  when 
of  about  three  years'  growth  from  the  bud ;  after  which  give 
only  occasional  pruning,  to  reform  or  remove  any  casual 
irregularity  from  cross-placed  or  very  crowded  branches, 
and  take  away  all  cankery  and  decayed  wood. 

Dwarf  Cherry  trees  may  be  introduced  into  the  Kitchen 
Garden,  and  trained  as  espaliers,  &c.  When  Morellos  are 
planted  in  an  orchard,  they  may  be  placed  from  fifteen  to 
twenty  feet  apart ;  trees  of  the  duke  kind  may  be  planted 
from  twenty-five  to  thirty  feet  apart ;  and  the  heart-shaped, 
in  general,  will  require  to  be  from  thirty  to  forty  feet  from 
each  other,  or  from  any  spreading  trees. 

Cherry  trees  may  be  removed  the  first  year  after  the  bud 
is  established ;  but  they  will  bear  removal  at  any  time  before 
they  come  into  bearing,  which  is  about  the  fifth  year. 

The  gum  which  exudes  from  Cherry  trees  is  equal  to 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OP    CHERRIES.  53 

Gum  Arabic ;  and  Hasselquist  relates,  "  that  more  than  one 
hundred  men,  during  a  siege,  were  kept  alive  for  nearly  two 
months,  without  any  other  sustenance  than  a  little  of  this 
gum  taken  sometimes  into  the  mouth,  and  suffered  gradually 
to  dissolve."  The  wood  is  hard  and  tough,  and  used  by  the 
turner  and  cabinet  maker. 


SELECT  DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  CHERRIES. 

DUKE    AND    ROUND    FRUIT. 

AMBREE  DE  CHOISY.  Belle  de  Choisy  of  Downing.  Cerise  Doucette,  Cerise 
de  la  Patembre  of  the  French  gardens.  A  middle  size  roundish  fruit,  high- 
ly deserving  of  cultivation.  Skin  transparent,  red,  mottled  with  amber; 
flesh  amber  coloured,  tender,  and  sweet.  It  bears  well  as  a  standard,  and 
ripens  its  fruit  in  June. 

AHCHDUHE,  Royal  Duke,  Griofte  de  Portugal,  Portugal  Duke.  A  large 
globular-formed  red  cherry  ;  like  the  May  Duke,  it  grows  in  clusters,  but 
the  tree  grows  more  vigorously  than  that  variety  ;  and  yields  an  abundance 
of  fruit,  which  hangs  a  long  time  on  the  tree  improving  in  flavour,  in  July. 

BEI.I.E  ET  MACNIFIQUE.  A  fine  round  cherry,  much  esteemed  in  Mas- 
sachusetts. The  tree  is  vigorous  and  productive ;  the  fruit  truly  magnifi- 
cent ;  its  colour  red,  mottled  with  white  spots,  and  abounding  in  acid ;  valu- 
able from  its  late  maturity,  in  July. 

CARNATION,  Cerise  Nouvelle  d'AngUterre,  and  Cerise  de  Portugal,  of 
Downing.  Late  Spanish,  Griotte  d'Espagne,  and  Griotte  de  Villenes,  of 
Prince.  Fruit  round,  of  a  pale  red  colour ;  flesh  firm,  *vith  a  very  good 
flavoured  juice ;  makes  excellent  preserves,  and  is  good  for  the  table  in 
July. 

DOWKER'S  LATE  RED,  Downer's  Favourite.  A  large  round  cherry,  de- 
serving a  place  in  every  garden,  raised  by  S.  Downer,  Esq.,  of  Dorchester, 
Massachusetts;  colour  light  red  ;  flesh  firm  and  of  a  fine  sprightly  flavour  ; 
ripening  after  most  other  superior  varieties  are  gone,  on  which  account  this 
variety  is  highly  prized  in  the  markets. 

KENTISH,  Early  Kentish,  Early  Richmond,  Virginian  May,  Long  Stem 
Montmorency,  Montmorency  a  bmgue  queue.  Mr.  Prince  says  that  other 
varieties  are  sold  erroneously  under  the  above  names.  The  fruit  of  this 
variety  is  round ;  skin  red  j  flesh  sprightly  acid ;  juice  abundant ;  excellent 
for  the  table  and  kitchen.  It  will  hang  long  on  the  tree,  in  favourable  wea- 
ther, in  June  and  July. 

LATE  DUKE.  Cense  Anglaise  tardive,  Unique  nouvelle.  Fruit  lar^e, 
above  the  size  of  a  May  Duke ;  obtuse  heart  shaped,  rather  flat ;  skirt  a 
shining  dark  red ;  flesh  amber  coloured,  tender,  juicy,  and  high  flavoured. 
Tree  a  great  bearer,  and  ripens  its  fruit  in  July. 

MAY  DUKK,  Early  Duke,    and    Cerise    Guigne    of    Downing.    Hoi- 


54  DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OP    CHERRIES. 

man's  Puke,  June  Duke,  Griotte  de  Portugal,  and  Roy  ale  hative,  of  Prince 
Fruit  of  medium  size,  roundish,  growing  in  clusters;  the  skin,  when  fully 
ripe,  very  dark  red ;  the  flesh  is  sort  and  juicy,  with  a  very  pleasant  acid 
This  excellent  variety  ripens  about  the  middle  of  June. 

MOKEI.LO,  English  Morello,  Milan,  Cerise  du  nord,  Griotte  du  nord 
Fruit  of  medium  size,  round  ;  of  a  dark  red  colour,  nearly  black  at  matu 
rity  ;  flesh  deep  red.  tender,  juicy,  and  blended  with  an  agreeable  acid  ;  ripe 
In  July,  and  hangs  some  time  on  the  tree.  This  variety  is  excellent  for 
preserves,  and  for  Brandy. 

PLUMSTONE  MORELLO.  A  tree  of  moderate  size,  of  the  Duke  or  Kent- 
ish species ;  a  very  large,  dark,  round  cherry,  nearly  black ;  of  a  rich  acid 
flavour.  The  stone  is  very  large,  and  resembles  that  of  a  plum  ;  a  native 
of  Virginia,  introduced  by  William  Prince,  of  the  Linnaen  Botanic  Garden, 
Flushing. 

WATERLOO.  A  large,  roundish,  dark  cherry,  inclining  to  black  at  matu- 
rity ;  the  flesh  is  firm  and  of  an  excellent  flavour;  raised  by  a  daughter  of 
Mr.  Knight,  and  so  named  from  perfecting  its  fruit  soon  after  the  battle  of 
Waterloo.  The  tree  is  of  strong  but  irregular  growth,  and  ripens  its  fruit 
In  July. 

HEART-SHAPED   AND    BIGARREAUS. 

AMERICAN  AMBER.  Early  Amber  New  Honey.  A  beautiful  heart-shaped 
cherry,  of  medium  size,  and  dark  pink  or  amber  colour ;  flesh,  rich,  sweet, 
and  excellent.  It  ripens  early  in  June. 

AMERICAN  HEART,  Arden's  White  Heart.  A  medium  sized  cherry,  of 
pale  yellowish  colour ;  obtuse  heart  shaped  -,  flesh  tender  and  palatable, 
but  not  high  flavoured.  The  tree,  which  ripens  its  fruit  in  June,  is  very 
productive. 

BKLI.E  DE  ROCMONT,  Bigarreau  de  Rocmont,  Cceur  de  pigeon,  Flesh 
Col.  Bigarreau.  A  beautiful  heart  shaped  fruit,  of  pale  yellowish  and  red 
colour,  marbled  and  glossy ;  flesh  firm,  white ;  juice  sprightly  and  of  an 
agreeable  flavour  :  in  June  and  July. 

BIGARREAU,  Black.  Manning's  Black  Bigarreau.  This  variety  is  con- 
sidered highly  dpserving  a  place  in  every  good  collection  ;  it  originated  in 
Mr.  Manning's  nursery  at  Salem ;  the  fruit  is  large,  colour  black ;  flesh 
sweet  and  of  peculiar  rich  flavour.  The  tree  grows  handsome,  is  very 
productive,  and  ripens  its  fruit  in  July. 

BIGARREAU,  Grojfion,  Turkey  Bigarreau,  Yellow  Spanish,  White  Bi- 
garreau, Imperial,  Guigne  Ambree,  White  Orleans.  Very  large,  obtuse, 
heart-shaped;  yellowish  amber  colour,  but  fine  red  next  the  sun;  flesh 
firm,  white,  sweet,  and  well  flavoured  ;  a  beautiful  and  excellent  fruit :  ripe 
in  June  and  July.  This  variety  commands  the  highest  price  in  market. 

BIGARREAU  WHITE,  White  Ox  Heart,  and  Harrison's  Heart,  of  Down- 
ing. White  Bigarreau  Tradescnnt,  and  Bigarreau  blanc  It  gros,  of  Prince. 
Fruit  large  ;  obtuse  heart  shaped ;  of  pale  yellow  and  white  colour,  mot- 
tled with  red  ;  flesh  white,  firm,  and  well  flavoured  :  ripe  in  June  and  July. 

BLACK  EAGLE.  A  beautiful  variety,  raised  by  Miss  Knight,  of  Downton 
Castle,  1^06 :  fruit  of  globular  form,  and  middle  size  ;  skin  dark  purple,  or 
nearly  black  ;  flesh  very  tender,  rich,  and  of  excellent  flavour.  The  tree 
grows  strong,  very  upright,  and  ripens  its  fruit  early. 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OP    CHERRIES.  55 

BLACK  HRART,  Guignier  a  Fruit  noir.  Fruit  rather  large,  heart-shaped ; 
dark  purple,  approaching  to  black  at  maturity  ;  flesh  dark  red,  tender,  of 
excellent  flavour :  ripe  early  in  July.  Tree  a  good  bearer. 

BLACK  TARTARIAN,  Black  Circassian,  Frastr's  Black  Tartarian,  Black 
Russian,  Ronald's  Large  Black  Heart,  Fraser's  Black  Heart.  A  very  large 
heart-shaped  fruit,  of  a  most  superior  quality;  colour  dark  shining  purple, 
or  black ;  flesh  firm,  dark  red  or  purple ;  sweet,  and  of  most  excellent  fla- 
vour :  in  June  and  July.  The  tree  grows  rapid,  and  is  very  productive. 

DAVENPORT'S  EARLY  BLACK,  New  May  Duke.  This  variety  is  consid- 
ered as  one  of  the  finest  and  most  productive  of  early  cherries  known.  The 
fruit  is  of  medium  size,  heart-shaped,  of  a  dark  glossy  black  colour  ;  flesh 
firm,  and  of  a  pleasant  sub-acid  flavour.  It  ripens  a  week  or  ten  days  earlier 
than  the  May  Duke. 

ELKHORN,  Black  Oxheart,  Tradescanf  s  Black,  Bigarrrau  gros  no»r» 
Large  Black  Bigurreau.  A  large,  black,  heart-shaped  cherry,  well  suited 
to  bear  carriage  to  market  from  the  firmness  of  its  flesh.  This  variety 
ripens  the  second  and  third  week  in  July,  when  other  kinds  are  scarce. — 
(Prince.) 

ELTON-  This  excellent  variety  was  raised  by  Mr.  Knight  in  1806  ;  the 
tree  is  very  vigorous  and  productive ;  the  fruit  is  pretty  large,  heart-shaped ; 
pale  glossy  yellow  in  the  shade,  but  marbled  with  bright  red  next  the  sun ; 
flesh  firm,  sweet,  and  rich :  ripens  soon  after  the  May  Duke. 

FLORENCE.  A  very  tine  heart-shaped  cherry  ;  of  a  yellow  amber  colour, 
marbled  with  bright  red  in  the  shade,  bright  red  next  the  sun ;  flesh  toler- 
ably firm,  juicy,  rich,  and  sweet:  ripe  end  of  June  and  in  July. 

GRIHLEY,  Apple  Cherry.  A  native  fruit  of  medium  size,  which  originated 
on  the  firm  of  Mr.  Gridley,  of  Roxbury,  near  Boston  ;  the  colour  is  black, 
the  flesh  firm,  and  of  a  fine  flavour :  in  July.  The  tree  grows  vigorous, 
and  is  very  productive. 

KNIGHT'S  EARLY  BLACK.  The  blossoms  of  this  variety  appear  very 
early;  its  fruit  resembles  the  Waterloo;  of  a  rich  dark  hue;  its  flesh  is 
firm,  juicy,  and  abundantly  sweet :  by  the  middle  of  June. 

MAZZARD,  BLACK.  This  cherry  grows  wild,  and  is  cultivated  also  in 
abundance  in  various  parts  of  England.  It  is  the  principal  fruit  employed 
for  the  making  of  Cherry  Brandy,  and  the  stocks  of  the  species  are  best 
adapted  for  nursery  men  to  bud  and  graft  the  better  kinds  on. 

NAPOLEON  BICARREAU,  Bigarreau  Napoleon,  Lauermann,  Gros  Bigar- 
reau  de  Lauerrtiann.  The  tree  of  this  variety  is  remarkable  for  the  vigour 
and  beauty  of  its  growth ;  it  produces  a  fine  large  white  fruit  with  red 
spots ;  the  flesh  is  remarkably  white,  solid,  and  of  a  sweet,  agreeable  fla- 
vour :  early  in  July. 

WHITE  BIGARREAU.  Mr.  Manning  represents  this  as  one  of  the  largest 
and  finest  cherries  known.  The  form  is  obtuse,  heart-shaped ;  skin  pale 
yellow,  with  a  bright  red  cheek  ;  flesh  very  firm,  juicy,  sweet,  and  fine  fla- 
voured :  ripe  in  July.  Mr.  Manning  observes,  that  this  variety  has  the  re- 
putation of  being  a  shy  bearer,  but  that  in  his  orchard  it  yields  an  abun- 
dance of  fruit;  and,  that  owing  to  the  hardness  of  its  flesh,  is  not  liable  to 
injury  from  birds  ;  on  this  account,  he  says,  it  is  highly  deserving  of  cul- 
tivation. 

WHITE  HEART,  Remington  White  Heart,  Late  White  Heart.    A  mode 
late  sized  cherry,  of  pleasant  flavour ;  chiefly  valuable  for  its  very  late  ma- 


56  CHESTNUT. 

turity,  being  towards  the  end  of  August     It  is  said  to  have  originated  in 
Rhode  Island. 

WHITE  TARTARIAN,  White  Transparent  Crimea,  Prater's  White,  Guignt 
de  Rustic  btanc.  A  beautiful  cherry,  pale  yellow,  approaching  to  amber 
next  the  sun  ;  a  much  admired  fruit,  of  excellent  flavour:  a  good  bearer, 
ripening  early  in  July. 


CHESTNUT. 
CHATAIGNER,     Castanea. 

THE  Chestnut  is  well  known  as  a  large  tree,  spreading  its 
branches  finely  where  it  has  room,  but  planted  closely,  will 
shoot  up  straight  to  a  great  height.  It  is  supposed  to  have 
been  originally  from  Sardis.  It  is  so  common  as  to  be  con- 
sidered a  native  of  France  and  Italy,  and  some  consider  it 
as  naturalized  in  England  ;  it  is  also  indigenous  in  America. 
The  London  catalogues  contain  the  names  of  thirty-two 
sorts  under  cultivation.  The  Chestnut  is,  like  the  Walnut, 
both  a  timber  and  fruit  tree ;  some  of  the  oldest  trees  in  the 
world  are  of  this  species.*  The  American  Chestnut  differa 
so  little  from  the  European,  that  no  specific  distinction  can 
be  drawn.  It  is  one  of  the  largest  trees  of  the  forest,  the 
wood  being  extremely  durable,  and  in  high  esteem  for  posts 
and  rails  to  construct  fences  ;  and  the  nuts  are  very  delicious. 
The  Castanea  pumila,  or  Chinquapin  nut,  is  a  small  tree,  or 
rather  shrub,  growing  to  the  height  of  thirty  feet  in  the 
Southern  States,  but  seldom  exceeding  ten  in  cold  latitudes ; 
the  fruit  is  very  sweet  and  agreeable  to  eat. 

There  is  a  variety  with  striped  leaves,  which  is  very  orna- 
mental. The  most  esteemed  of  the  French  kinds  are  called 
Marron.  Some  excellent  fruit-bearing  varieties  are  culti- 

*  At  Fortworth,  in  Gloucestershire,  EngUnd.  is  a  large  tree,  fifty-two 
feet  round,  which  in  1 150  was  called  the  "Great  Chestnut  of  Fortwonh.'* 
Marsham  states  that  this  tree  is  11 00  years  old,  and  that  the  timber  is  al- 
most incorruptible,  and  more  durable  than  oak.  Its  durability  is  commen- 
surate with  the  long  life  of  the  tree. 


CRANBERRY.  57 

vated  in  England,  France,  Italy,  and  Spain,  as  also  in  other 
parts  of  Europe  ;  these  are  increased  by  grafting  or  budding 
in  the  usual  methods,  but  the  plants  for  coppice  wood,  or 
timber,  are  best  raised  from  nuts.  Some  varieties  ripen  their 
fruit  a  few  days  earlier  than  others,  but  none  of  these  have 
been  fixed  on,  or  perpetuated  by  nurserymen,  so  as  to  ren- 
der them  available  to  purchasers.  The  fruit  is  a  desirable 
nut  for  autumn  or  winter,  and  is  eaten  roasted,  with  salt,  and 
sometimes  raw ;  arid  in  some  countries  it  is  not  only  boiled 
and  roasted,  but  ground  into  meal,  and  puddings,  cakes,  and 
bread  are  made  from  it. 


CRANBERRY. 
CANNEBERGE.     Oxycoccus. 

THIS  genus  of  plants  is  well  distinguished  from  the  Vac- 
cininm,  or  Whortleberry,  by  the  narrow  revolute  segments 
of  corolla ;  arid  are  pretty  little  trailing  evergreen  plants,  to 
which  a  peat  soil,  and  rather  moist  situations,  are  absolutely 
necessary.  They  are  very  little  changed  by  culture. 

The  Oxycoccus  macrocarpus  is  a  red  acid  fruit,  highly  val- 
ned  as  a  sweetmeat,  or  for  tarts.  It  is  well  known  that  this 
excellent  fruit  grows  in  many  parts  of  our  country  sponta- 
neously ;  and  that  the  mere  gathering  of  it,  is  all  that  boun- 
tiful nature  requires  at  our  hands  ;  but  it  is  well  worth  cul- 
tivating where  there  are  none.  This  fruit  will  keep  a  whole 
year,  if  properly  preserved  in  close  covered  stone  jars,  and 
is  considered  by  many  as  superior  to  the  best  currant  jelly, 
and  may  be  kept  for  many  months  in  a  raw  state  without 
injury. 

The  Oxycoccus  paluslris  bears  edible  berries,  which  are 
gathered  wild  both  in  England  and  Scotland,  and  made  into 
tarts.  Lightfoot  says,  that  twenty  or  thirty  pounds'  worth 
are  sold  each  market  day,  for  five  or  six  weeks  together,  in 
the  town  of  Langtown,  on  the  borders  of  Cumberland. 


58  CURRANT. 

Nicol  says,  the  American  species  is  more  easily  culti 
vated  than  the  English,  but  is  inferior  to  it  in  flavour.  There 
is  reason  to  believe  that  the  quality  of  fruit  of  each  of  these 
species  is  subject  to  variations,  which  have  not  yet  been  prac- 
tically distinguished.  Their  cultivation  is  now  so  well  un- 
derstood, that  both  may  be  considered  with  propriety  as  in- 
mates of  the  fruit  garden.  Some  raise  them  from  seed  sown 
early  in  the  spring;  but  it  is  best  to  set  out  plants,  and  lay 
the  runners  as  they  progress  in  growth. 

It  is  customary  in  England  to  prepare  beds  on  the  edges 
of  ponds,  which  are  banked  up  so  as  to  admit  of  the  wet 
getting  underneath  them ;  bog  or  peat  earth  is  considered 
essential  for  the  roots  to  run  in,  but  it  has  been  discovered 
that  they  can  be  cultivated  in  damp  situations  in  a  garden, 
with  a  top  dressing  of  peat  or  bog  earth,  and  if  they  are 
once  suited  as  to  the  soil,  the  plants  will  multiply  so  as  to 
cover  the  bed  in  the  course  of  a  year  or  two,  by  means  of 
their  long  runners,  which  take  root  at  different  points. 
From  a  very  small  space  a  very  large  quantity  of  Cranberries 
may  be  gathered  ;  and  they  prove  a  remarkably  regular 
crop,  scarcely  affected  by  the  state  of  the  weather,  and  not 
subject  to  the  attacks  of  insects.  Sir  Joseph  Banks  gives 
an  account*  (in  Hort.  Trans.,  1.  71)  of  his  success  in  culti- 
vating this  fruit.  "  In  one  year,  viz.,  1813,  from  326  square 
feet,  or  a  bed  about  eighteen  feet  square,  three  and  a  half 
Winchester  bushels  of  berries  were  produced,  which,  at  five 
bottles  to  the  gallon,  gives  one  hundred  and  forty  bottles, 
each  sufficient  for  one  Cranberry  pie,  from  two  and  a  half 
square  feet." 


CURRANT. 
GROSEILLER  A  GRAPPES.     Ribes. 

THIS  is  a  genus  of  well-known  shrubs,  much  cultivated 
for  their  fruit.     It  is  a  native   of  the  Northern  parts  of 


CURRANT.  59 

Europe,  and  found  in  hedges  and  woods  in  England ;  and 
there  are  some  species  indigenous  in  America.  The  fruit, 
being  of  an  agreeable  sub-acid  taste,  is  generally  relished 
both  as  a  dessert  and  in  pies  and  tarts ;  it  is  also  much  used 
in  making  wine,  and  is  grown  to  a  considerable  extent  for 
that  purpose  in  Essex,  Kent,  and  about  Pershore,  in  Wor- 
cestershire, England.  There  are  ten  species  cultivated  in  the 
garden  of  the  Horticultural  Society  of  London,  comprising 
twelve  varieties  of  red,  ten  of  white,  five  kinds  of  black, 
together  with  a  champagne,  mountain,  rock,  upright,  Penn- 
sylvanian,  &c.  Any  number  of  varieties  of  the  red  and 
white  may  be  procured  from  sowing  the  seed,  but  they  are 
generally  propagated  by  cuttings  of  the  last  year's  wood, 
which  should  be  of  sufficient  length  to  form  handsome 
plants,  with  a  clear  stem  ten  inches  high;  these  may  be 
planted  immediately  upon  losing  their  leaves  in  autumn,  or 
very  early  the  ensuing  spring. 

The  Currant  will  grow  in  almost  every  soil,  but  prospers 
best  in  one  loamy  and  rich.  The  best  flavoured  fruit  is 
produced  from  plants  in  an  open  situation,  but  they  will 
grow  under  the  shades  of  walls  or  trees,  and  either  as  low 
bushes,  or  trained  as  espaliers.  They  bear  chiefly  on  spurs, 
and  on  young  wood  of  from  one  to  three  years'  growth,  and, 
therefore,  in  pruning,  most  of  the  young  wood  should  be  cut 
to  within  two  or  three  buds  of  that  where  it  originated. 
After  the  plants  are  furnished  with  full  heads,  they  produce 
many  superfluous  and  irregular  shoots  every  summer, 
crowding  the  general  bearers,  so  as  to  require  regulating 
and  curtailing,  both  in  the  young  growth  of  the  year,  and  in 
older  wood. 

The  principal  part  of  the  work  may  be  done  in  winter,  or 
early  in  spring ;  but  a  preparatory  part  should  be  performed 
in  summer,  to  eradicate  suckers,  and  thin  the  superfluous 
shoots  of  the  year,  where  they  are  so  crowded  as  to  exclude 
the  sun  and  air  from  the  fruit.  In  training  espaliers  and  for 
standards,  two  branches  are  laid  in  a  horizontal  direction 


60  DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OP    CURRANTS. 

along  the  bottom  of  the  trellis,  perhaps  half  a  foot  from  the 
surface  of  the  earth,  and  the  growth  from  these,  or  of  all  up- 
right shoots,  which  will  admit  of  being  arranged  at  the  distance 
of  five  or  six  inches  from  each  other,  is  encouraged.  Fan 
standards  are  sometimes  trained  with  the  branches  radiating 
from  the  crown  of  the  stem. 

The  black  Currant,  or  Ribes  nigrum,  is  common  in  moist 
woods  in  Russia  and  Siberia ;  its  culture  is  similar  to  that 
of  the  red,  but  as  it  is  less  apt  to  bear  in  spurs  than  on 
young  wood,  the  shoots  should  not  be  so  much  shortened  in 
this  as  in  the  other. 

Currant  bushes  will  require  to  be  planted  at  different  dis- 
tances, according  to  the  situation  and  mode  of  training,  &c. 
When  planted  in  beds,  borders,  or  squares,  they  should  be 
six  feet  apart,  but  if  trained  as  espaliers,  they  will  require 
to  be  eight  feet  apart. 

Many  people  dislike  the  flavour  of  black  Currants ;  they 
are,  therefore,  not  much  used  in  the  kitchen  or  dessert,  and 
seldom  in  wine  making.  They  make  a  jelley  or  jam,  in 
estimation  as  a  gargle  for  inflammatory  sore  throats.  "  In 
Russia  and  Siberia,  wine  is  made  of  the  berries  alone,  or 
fermented  with  honey,  and  with  or  or  without  spirits.  In 
Siberia  they  make  a  drink  of  the  leaves ;  these  tincture 
common  spirits  so  as  to  resemble  brandy,  and  a  few  of  them 
dried  and  mixed  with  black  tea,  answer  all  the  purposes  of 
the  green  material." — (London.) 

All  kinds  of  Currants  may  be  forced  by  placing  them  in 
any  forcing  department  in  January  or  February  ;  they  will 
produce  ripe  fruit  in  April  and  May. 


SELECT  DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  CURRANTS 

BLACK  ENGLISH,  Common  Black.  This  species  is  most  generally  culti- 
vated in  private  gardens  for  medicinal  purposes ;  the  berries  are  plentiful, 
of  large  size,  and  frequently  hang  on  the  bush  two  months,  improving  in 
flavour. 


FIG.  GJ 

BLACK  NAPLES.  In  this  variety  the  fruit  is  larger,  the  clusters  more  nu- 
merous, and  each  cluster  produces  more  berries  than  the  ordinary  kinds,  on 
which  account  it  is  highly  esteemed. 

CHAMPAONK.  The  berries  of  this  variety  are  of  a  pale  red  colour,  which 
being  transparent,  causes  it  to  be  generally  estimated  as  a  dessert  fruit.  It 
is  a  prolific  bearer. 

LABGE  RED,  Red  Dutch.  This  is  the  most  desirable  kind  of  the  red 
fruited  currant  cnltivated  ;  the  bush,  when  properly  trained  and  pruned, 
grows  strong  and  upright,  and  produces  an  abundance  of  fine  large  berries. 

WHITE  CRYSTAL,  White  Grnpe.  An  excellent  variety,  the  berries  of 
which  are  large,  and  of  a  beautiful  clear  transparent  brilliancy;  hence  its 
name. 

WHITE  DUTCH.  Th:«s  variety  is  held  in  great  esteem  for  different  pur- 
poses ;  the  clusters  and  berries  are  large,  of  a  yellowish  white  colour,  and 
delicious  flavour.  The  bushes  are  often  so  productive  that  the  branches  of 
the  bearing  wood  trail  beneath  the  weight  of  the  fruit. 

MISSOURI  CURRANT.  This  species  is  quite  distinct  from  the  ordinary 
kinds  ;  its  berries  are  purple,  and  although  of  rather  agreeable  flavour,  they 
are  not  to  be  compared  with  those  under  general  cultivation. 

To  these  may  be  added  Knight's  Sweet  Red,  Wilmofs  Large  Red,  Went- 
worth  Red,  Victoria,  and  Green  Fruited,  lately  introduced. 

The  above  are  the  most  celebrated  species  of  Currants. 
Some  nurserymen's  catalogues  contain  many  other  names,  a 
great  proportion  of  which  are,  probably,  a  repetition  of  the 
same  frfiit.  Where  the  Currant  is  cultivated  for  the  purpose 
of  making  wine,  the  White  and  Red  Dutch  are  to  be  pre- 
ferred to  all  others.  For  the  dessert,  the  White  Crystal  and 
Champagne  are  great  favourites,  on  account  of  their  trans- 
parent clearness. 


FIG. 
FIGUIER.     Ficus  carica. 

THERE  are  many  species  of  the  Fig,  which  are  all  natives 
of  warm  climates.  In  some  parts  of  Asia,  and  in  the  South 
of  Europe,  they  are  always  grown  as  standards ;  and  the 
fruit,  green  and  dried,  forms  an  important  part  of  the  food 
of  the  inhabitants.  The  London  Horticultural  catalogue 
contains  the  names  of  seventy-five  sorts ;  and  Messrs.  Prince, 
of  Flushing,  have  about  forty  names  in  their  catalogue.  It 

6 


62  FIG. 

is  cultivated  in  England  as  a  fruit  tree,  and,  in  warm  situa- 
tions, will  ripen  its  fruit  in  the  open  air.  In  Sussex,  on  the 
sea-coast,  it  ripens  its  fruit  on  standards.  Some  of  the  best 
in  England  are  at  Arundel  Castle ;  and  there  is  a  Fig  or- 
chard of  one  hundred  trees  at  Tarring,  near  Worthing. 
Those  at  Arundel  are  planted  six  or  eight  feet  apart,  and 
from  a  single  stem  allowed  to  continue  branching  conical 
heads,  pruning  chiefly  irregular  and  redundant  growths,  and 
cutting  out  decayed  or  injured  wood. 

The  Fig  tree  may  be  propagated  from  seed,  cuttings, 
layers,  suckers,  roots,  and  by  grafting ;  the  most  generally 
approved  method  is  by  layers  or  cuttings,  which  come  into 
bearing  the  second,  and  sometimes  the  first  year.  No  tree 
is  more  robust  or  more  prolific ;  even  plants  in  pots  or  tubs 
kept  in  a  temperature  adapted  for  the  Orange  tree,  will  fruit 
freely,  and  ripen  two  crops  a  year,  and  by  being  taken  care 
of  through  the  winter,  will  go  on  growing  and  ripening  fruit 
without  intermission.  Mr.  Knight  has  obtained  from  his 
hot-house  in  England,  eight  successive  crops  in  a  year,  by 
bending  the  limbs  in  a  position  below  the  horizontal.  The 
trees  will  produce  tolerable  crops  in  the  second  year  if  rung 
or  decorticated ;  and  by  this  process  maturity  of  the  fruit  is 
accelerated,  and  its  size  increased.*  Its  maturity  is  also  has- 
tened by  pricking  the  fruit  with  a  straw  or  quill  dipped  in 
olive  oil,  or  even  by  slightly  touching  the  fruit  with  oil,  at 
the  finger's  end.  In  Fig  countries  the  fruit  is  preserved  by 
dipping  it  in  scalding  lye,  made  of  the  ashes  of  the  Fig  tree, 
and  then  dried  in  the  sun. 

*  Girdling,  decortication,  ringing,  or  circumcision,  as  it  is  sometimes  va- 
riously called,  consists  in  making  two  circular  incisions  quite  round  the 
limb,  through  the  bark,  at  the  distance  of  about  a  quarter  of  an  inch  asun- 
der, more  or  less,  according  to  the  size  and  thickness  of  the  tree ;  then  by 
making  a  perpendicular  slit,  the  ring  of  the  bark  is  wholly  removed  to  the 
wood.  Ringing  or  decortication  is  applicable  to  every  kind  of  fruit  tree, 
and  to  the  vine.  Its  operation  is  twofold.  First,  in  the  early  production 
and  abundance  of  blossom  buds  which  it  induces:  and  second,  in  increasing 
the  size  of  the  fruit  and  hastening  its  maturity,  according  to  the  season  in 
••hirsh  the  operation  is  performed. 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OF    FIGS.  63 

When  Figs  are  cultivated  in  a  garden,  a  good  loamy  soil 
should  be  provided ;  and  they  may  be  trained  to  close  fences, 
or  trellises,  in  sheltered  situations.  At  the  approach  of  win- 
ter they  must  be  protected;  those  trained  to  close  fences 
may  be  secured  through  the  winter  by  a  covering  of  mat- 
ting ;  and  such  as  may  be  in  open  situations  should  be  libe- 
rated from  the  trellis,  and  laid  down  close  to  the  ground, 
and  covered  three  or  four  inches  with  earth  ;  or  trenches  may 
be  formed  of  that  depth,  sufficient  to  contain  the  branches, 
which  should  be  fastened  down  with  hooked  pegs,  without 
cramping  them :  such  of  the  strong  central  branches  as  will 
not  bend  may  be  enveloped  in  litter.  They  should  be 
pruned  before  they  are  laid  down  in  November,  and  on 
being  raised  again  in  April,  they  may  be  trained  as  before. 
Figs  may  be  cultivated  in  private  gardens  as  easily  as  the 
vine. 


SELECT  DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  FIGS. 

ANGELIQUE,  Coucourelle  Blanche,  Melitte.  Fruit  rather  small,  some- 
what pyramidal;  skin  yellow,  mottled  with  white  ;  pulp  white  ;  seed  tinged 
with  red.  In  the  neighbourhood  of  Paris  this  variety  produces  two  crops 
annually;  the  first  is  usually  thin,  but  the  second  very  abundant  and  ex- 
cellent. 

BLACK  ITALIAN.  Fruit  small  and  round;  pulp  very  delicious.  Mr. 
Forsyth  used  to  cultivate  this  kind  in  pots,  and  it  is  recorded  that  he  has 
gathered  from  one  plant  two  dozen  figs  in  a  day. 

BLUE  OR  PURPLE,  Large  Blue,  Great  Blue,  Large  Purple  Fruit  large, 
oblong ;  skin  purple,  covered  with  thick  blue  bloom  ;  pulp  deep  red,  and  oi 
a  rich  flavour  :  ripe  in  August.  The  tree  is  4iardy  and  prolific. 

BOURDEAUX,  Figue  Poire,  Violette  (Je  Bonrdeaux.  Fruit  of  a  pyramidal 
figure ;  skin  brownish  red,  slightly  mottled  ;  pulp  red,  succulent,  and  sweet. 
This  is  cultivated  throughout  France,  and  produces  two  crops  annually. 

BROWN  TURKEY.  Fruit  small  and  round  ;  pulp  very  delicious.  This 
and  the  Black  Italian  are  mentioned  by  Mr.  Forsyth  as  being  cultivated  by 
him  in  pots,  and  each  possessing  equal  merit. 

BRUNSWICK,  Madonna,  Hanover.  Fruit  very  large,  obovate  ;  skin  pale 
green,  tinged  with  yellow;  flesh  pinkish,  extremely  rich,  and  high  flavoured. 
This  is  one  of  the  largest  and  best  hardy  figs  for  garden  culture,  and  it  will 
ripen  in  the  neighbourhood  of  London  by  the  middle  of  August. 

CHESTNUT,  Chestnut-en' mired  Ishia,  Brown  IscMa,.  Fruit  globular.  ol 
large  size  ;  skin  of  a  brown  chestnut  colour ;  pulp  purple,  sweet,  and  hiet< 


64  FILBERT    AND    HAZLENUT. 

flavoured  This  kind  will  often  yield  two  crops  in  England,  the  first  fruit 
of  which  ripens  in  August. 

EARLY  WHITE,  Small  Early  White.  Fruit  somewhat  round  ;  skin  thin ; 
when  fully  ripe  of  a  pale  yellow  colour ;  pulp  white,  sweet,  and  of  plea- 
sant flavour.  This  generally  ripens  two  crops  in  one  season. 

GKEEN  ISCHIA.  Fruit  oblong;  »kin  green,  very  thin;  pulp  purple, 
which,  when  fully  ripe,  stains  the  skin  to  a  brownish  cast.  This  is  a  very 
high  flavoured  fig,  especially  in  warm  countries  :  ripe  in  August. 

LARGE  WHITE  GENOA.  Fruit  large,  globular;  skin  thin,  white,  turning 
to  yellow  when  fully  ripe;  pulp  red,  and  of  good  flavour,  This  in  Eng- 
land bears  two  crops,  annually. 

MALTA,  Small  Brown,  of  some  gardens.  Fruit  small ;  skin  pale  brown ; 
pulp  very  sweet  and  well  flavoured:  ripe  in  August,  and  if  left  hanging  on 
the  tree  until  shrivelled,  it  becomes  a  fine  sweetmeat. 

NERII.  The  Nerii  fig  is  highly  esteemed  in  England.  Fruit  oblong,  of 
medium  size;  skin  pale  greenish  yellow;  the  flesh  is  very  rich,  and  the 
juice  possesses  a  delicate  acidity,  which  renders  it  peculiarly  palatable :  ripe 
in  August. 

PRECUSSATA.  Fruit  large,  oblate  ;  skin  dark  brown ;  pulp  deep  red ;  re- 
markably sweet  and  rich :  ripe  in  August. 

PURPLE  GENOA.  Fruit  large,  long;  skin  dark  purple;  pulp  extremely 
sweet  and  luscious:  ripe  in  August. 

VIOLETTE,  Figue  Violette.  The  Violet  Fig,  like  the  Angelique,  is  much 
cultivated  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Paris,  and  produces  two  crops  annually. 
Fruit  small ;  skin  deep  violet ;  pulp,  near  the  skin,  white ;  the  interior  red, 
and  of  excellent  flavour. 

WHITE  MARSEILLES,  Pocock,  Figue  Blanche.  Fruit  medium  size,  some- 
what turbinate ;  skin  pale  green,  becoming  yellowish  when  fully  ripe:  flesh 
white,  dry,  sweet,  and  rich :  ripe  in  August. 

YELLOW  ISCHIA,  Cyprus.  Fruit  large,  of  a  pyramidal  form ,  skin  yel- 
low, when  fully  ripe ;  pulp  purple  and  high  flavoured :  in  August  and 
September. 


FILBERT    AND    HAZLENUT. 
NOISETIER  AVELINIER.    Corylus. 

THE  Filbert,  in  many  varieties,  and  also  the  common  Ha- 
zlenut,  grow  spontaneously  in  the  woods  of  Britain,  and 
some  few  varieties  are  indigenous  in  this  country.  The 
kinds  of  Filberts  generally  cultivated  are  the  white,  red,  cob, 
clustered,  and  frizzled;  of  each  of  which  there  are  many 
varieties.  As  this  shrub  is  so  easily  cultivated,  it  is  a  matter 
of  astonishment  that  the  nuts  from  this  genus  of  plants  are 
so  scarce  in  our  markets.  In  different  parts  of  England 


FILBERT    AND    HAZLENUT.  65 

there  are  Filbert  orchards.  In  the  Filbert  grounds  about 
Maidstone,  in  Kent,  it  is  a  prevailing  practice  to  cultivate 
Hops,  standard  Apples,  and  Cherries,  among  the  Filberts ; 
when  these  come  into  a  bearing  state,  the  Hops  are  taken 
up  and  transplanted  elsewhere,  and  the  fruit  trees  only  suf- 
fered to  remain.  The  spare  ground  is  then  planted  with 
Gooseberries,  Currants,  &c.  The  Red  Filbert  is  allowed  to 
have  a  finer  flavour  than  the  White.  The  Cob-nut  is  large, 
with  a  thick  shell,  but  the  kernel  is  sweet  and  of  consider- 
able size.  The  Barcelona  is  a  good  large  nut,  with  a  thin 
shell.  The  Cosford  is  very  sweet,  kernels  well,  and  the  tiee 
is  a  great  bearer.  The  Bond  JVut,  and  the  Lambert  Nut  are 
of  large  size,  roundish  shape,  and  very  prolific  bearers.  The 
Frizzled  Filbert  is  highly  esteemed.  It  is  beautiful  when  in 
the  husk,  and  its  flavour  is  very  similar  to  that  of  the  White 
Filbert ;  the  shell  of  which  is  also  thin,  and  its  kernel  sweet 
and  fine. 

All  the  different  kinds  may  be  grown  as  dwarf  standards ; 
or  they  will  bear  very  well  if  planted  in  clumps :  but  as 
they  produce  an  abundance  of  suckers,  these  should  be 
parted  off  frequently,  and  planted  in  a  nursery  bed  for 
stocks ;  as  the  bearing  plants  will  cease  to  produce  fruit  in 
any  quantity,  if  the  suckers  are  allowed  to  form  a  thick 
bush.  They  may  be  propagated  by  seed,  by  suckers,  by 
layers,  or  by  grafting  in  the  spring  upon  seedling  or  sucker 
stocks. 

The  Filbert  bears  principally  upon  the  sides  of  the  upper 
young  branches,  and  upon  small  shoots  which  proceed  from 
the  bases  of  side  branches  cut  off  the  preceding  year.  The 
leading  shoot  is  every  year  to  be  shortened,  and  every  shoot 
that  is  left  to  produce  fruit  should  be  clipped ;  which  pre- 
vents the  tree  from  being  exhausted  in  making  wood  at  the 
end  of  the  branch.  Such  branches  as  may  have  borne  fruit, 
must  be  cut  out  every  year,  in  order  to  promote  the  growth 
of  a  supply  of  young  fruit-bearing  branches. 


66  GOOSEBERRY. 

GOOSEBERRY. 
GROSEILLER.     Ribes  grossularia,  uva,  crispa,  etc. 

THE  Gooseberry  is  a  native  of  several  parts  of  Europe, 
and  is  indigenous  in  America,  as  far  north  as  68°.  It  is 
cultivated  to  greater  perfection  in  England  than  in  any  other 
part  of  the  world.  In  Spain  and  Italy,  this  fruit  is  scarcely 
known.  In  France,  it  is  neglected.  In  Lancashire,  Eng- 
land, and  some  parts  of  the  adjoining  counties,  almost  every 
cottager  cultivates  the  Gooseberry,  with  a  view  to  prizes 
given  at  what  are  called  Gooseberry  Prize  Meetings ;  of 
these,  there  is  annually  published  an  account,  with  the  names 
and  weights  of  the  successful  sorts,  in  what  is  called  the 
Manchester  Gooseberry  Book.  The  prizes  vary  from  ten 
shillings  to  five  and  ten  pounds  sterling.  There  are  meet- 
ings held  in  the  spring  to  "  make  up,"  as  the  term  is,  the 
persons,  and  the  conditions  of  exhibition ;  and  in  August, 
to  weigh  and  test  the  fruit,  and  determine  the  prizes. 

In  Lindley's  Guide  to  the  Orchard  and  Fruit  Garden, 
seven  hundred  and  twenty-two  varieties  are  described  ;  from 
which  the  following  are  selected,  as  in  most  repute  for  size, 
flavour,  and  other  good  qualities  : 

RED. 

BRITISH  CROWN,  Boardmari's.  This  variety  is  noted  as  being  a  fine  fla- 
voured fruit,  especially  for  tarts.  Thirty-three  prizes  had  been  awarded  for 
it  in  1829;  the  largest  berry  weighing  18  pennyweights  and  10  grains. 

CHAMPAGNE.  The  fruit  of  this  variety  is  held  in  great  esteem  for  its 
delicious  flavour;  the  berry  is  of  medium  size,  somewhat  oblong  and  hairy. 

CAPPER'S  Top  SAWYFR.  This  is  a  late  fruit,  of  oblong  shape,  and  hairy 
near  the  base.  One  hundred  and  seventy-one  prizes  were  obtained  for  this 
in  1838  and  9  ;  the  heiviest  berry  weighing  22  dwts.  17  grains. 

CROWN  BOB.  Melting's.  This  variety  won  eighty-five  prizes  in  two  sea- 
sons ;  th«  largest  berry  weighing  21  <1wts.  and  12  grains.  It  is  a  late  fruit, 
of  oblong  shape,  bright  red  colour,  and  hairy. 

EARLY  R  ED,  WilmoCs.  This  variety  is  considered  by  Mr.  Wilmot  as 
first  rate  of  its  colour.  It  has  a  thin  skin;  is  of  large  size,  very  early,  of 
excellent  flavour,  and  incredibly  productive. 

HUNTSMAN.     This  variety,  which  originated  with  Mr.  Bratherton,  took 


GOOSEBERRY.  67 

two  hundred  and  sixteen  prizes  in  1828  and  9  ;  the  heaviest  berry  weighed 
24  dwts. 

LANCASHIRE  LAD,  Hartshorn's-  One  hundred  and  fifty-six  prizes  were 
awarded  for  this  variety  in  two  years  ;  the  heaviest  berry  weighing  22  dwts. 
11  grains. 

MARQUIS  OF  STAFFORD,  Knight's-  This  much  esteemed  late  variety  is 
hairy,  of  medium  size,  bright  red  colour,  and  delicious  flavour. 

OLD  ROUGH  RED.  This  is  a  favourite  fruit  for  family  use  ;  the  berrie* 
are  of  medium  size,  of  dark  red  colour  ;  excellent  for  preserving  as  goose- 
berry jam,  and  for  bottling  in  an  unripe  state. 

OVER-ALL,  Bratherton's.  This  variety  took  seventy-four  prizes  in  two 
seasons,  the  average  weight  of  the  berries  being  20  dwts.  It  is  a  highly 
esteemed  fruit. 

PLOUGHBOV.  This  is  a  medium  sized  early  fruit,  in  great  repute  for  its 
delicious  flavour  and  productiveness. 

PRINCE  REGENT,  Board/nan's.  This  variety  won  one  hundred  and 
forty-one  prizes  in  two  seasons ;  the  heaviest  berry  weighing  22  dwts.  1 1 
grains. 

ROARING  LION,  Farmer's.  In  1828  three  hundred  and  forty-nine  prizes 
were  awarded  for  this  variety  ;  and  in  1829  it  won  four  hundred  and  fifty- 
three  prizes,  the  largest  berry  weighing  29  dwts.;  since  which  time,  ber- 
ries have  been  known  to  weigh  over  an  ounce  and  a  half. 

SHAKSPEARE.  Sixty  prizes  were  awarded  for  this  variety  in  two  sea- 
sons ;  the  average  weight  of  the  berries  were  about  20  dwts.  It  is  a  great 
bearer. 

SIR  JOHN  COTGRAVE,  Bratherton's.  This  variety  took  three  hundred 
and  forty-three  prizes  in  two  seasons  ;  the  heaviest  berry  weighing  25  dwts. 
2  grains. 

TRIUMPHANT,  Denny's.  This  is  a  medium  sized  early  berry,  weighing 
about  16  dwts.  It  is  considered  equal  in  quality  to  any  gooseberry  of  its 
colour. 

WARRINGTON.  This  is  a  favourite  fruit  for  private  gardens  ;  the  berries 
are  of  medium  size,  very  rich  flavoured,  and  ripen  gradually  without  de- 
teriorating. 

YELLOW. 

BUNKER'S  HILL,  Copper's.  Two  hundred  and  ten  prizes  were  awarded 
for  this  variety  in  two  years  ;  the  heaviest  berry  weighing  20  dwts  2  grains. 

BRITANNIA.  This  variety  is  noted  for  its  earliness  and  delicious  flavour. 
The  fruit  is  of  medium  size,  weighing  about  18  dwts. 

COTTAGK  GIRL,  Heaps's-  This  variety  won  one  hundred  and  thirty-three 
prizes  in  two  seasons:  the  largest  berry  weighing  19  dwts.  14  grains. 

GOLDEN  GOURD.  Hilt's.  A  fine  early  fruit  of  medium  size;  shape  ob- 
long*, skin  thin,  slightly  hairy,  of  rich  flavour,  and  not  apt  to  mildew. 

GOLDEN  YELLOW,  Dixon's  This  is  a  favourite,  medium  sized,  early 
fruit  for  private  gardens;  the  skin  is  smooth,  thin,  and  transparent,  and 
the  berries  will  hang  some  time  without  becoming  flat,  and  insipid. 

GUNNER  H tr>1ca$tle's.  One  hundred  and  ninety-two  prizes  were  given 
for  this  variety  in  1828;  and  in  1829  one  hundred  and  eighty-one  prizes 
were  awarded ;  the  heaviest  berry  weighing  24  dwts.  5  grains  ;  fruit  rather 
late. 


68  GOOSEBERRY. 

INVINCIBLE,  Haywood's.  This  celebrated  fruit  is  of  medium  size,  weigh- 
ing about  18  dwts;  skin  thin,  transparent;  pulp  saccharine  and  deli- 
cious. 

KILTON  HERO,  Hamlets  Kilton.  One  of  the  best  early  yellow  fruited 
gooseberries ;  fruit  oblong,  slightly  hairy,  excellent  for  cooking  while  im- 
mature, and  delicious  eating  when  fully  ripe. 

REGULATOR,  Prophet's.  A  very  fine  fruit,  of  medium  size  and  rich  acid 
flavour ;  good  for  bottling,  being  firm,  and  not  liable  to  crack. 

ROCKWOOD,  Prophet's.  The  fruit  of  this  variety  is  very  early ;  it  is  of  a 
roundish,  oblong  shape,  and  slightly  hairy.  It  won  three  hundred  and  three 
prizes  in  two  years  ;  the  largest  berry  weighing  21  dwts.  3  grains 

SOVEREIGN,  Bratherton's-  Two  hundred  and  two  prizes  were  obtained 
for  this  variety  in  two  seasons ;  the  heaviest  berry  weighing  22  dwts.  17 
grains. 

VIPER,  Gordon's.  This  is  an  early  smooth  fruit,  and  won  eighty-seven 
prizes  in  two  years;  the  largest  berry  weighing  18  dwts.  5  grains. 

GREEN. 

ANGLER,  Collier's.  Three  hundred  and  sixty-five  prizes  were  awarded 
for  this  variety  in  two  seasons;  the  heaviest  berry  weighing  20  dwts.  1 
grain. 

EARLY  GREEN,  HAIRY.  This  variety  is  described  in  the  Pomological 
Magazine  as  a  very  early  fruit;  it  is  round,  hairy,  of  a  deep  green  colour 
and  excellent  flavour,  but  riot  large. 

FAVOURITE,  Bates's.  Two  hundred  and  thirty-five  prizes  were  given  for 
this  variety  in  two  years;  the  heaviest  berry  weighing  18  dwts.  '20  grains. 

GREENWOOD,  Berry's.  This  variety  obtained  two  hundred  and  four 
prizes  in  two  seasons  ;  the  largest  berry  weighing  17  dwts.  4  grains.  It  is 
a  deliciously  flavoured  fruit. 

GREEN  GAGE,  pitinaston's.  A  beautiful  berry  of  medium  size;  skin 
pale  green,  smooth  and  transparent;  will  hang  long  on  the  bush,  and 
retain  its  rich  acid  flavour  when  fully  ripe. 

GREEN  MYRTLE-  Nixon's.  A  fine  late  gooseberry  of  large  s;ze.  oblong 
shape;  skin  smooth,  of  pale  green  colour;  pulp  saccharine,  ju;cy,  and  of 
peculiar  rich  flavour. 

HEART  OF  OAK,  Massey's.  Fruit  of  medium  size,  early;  sk;n  smooth, 
green,  with  pale  yellow  veins;  pulp  rich,  and  high  flavoured  even  when 
fully  ripe. 

INDEPENDENT,  Bigg's.  One  hundred  and  twenty-one  prizes  were  civen 
for  this  variety  in  two  years;  the  largest  berry  weighing  16  dwts.  4  grains. 
It  is  an  early  rich  fruit. 

JOLLY  TAR,  Edwards's.  Fruit  early,  of  medium  size  ;  skin  smooth, 
green,  with  yellow  veins  ;  average  weight  about  15  dwts  ;  good  to  preserve 
while  immature,  and  of  delicious  flavour  when  fully  ripe. 

LAURKL,  Parkinson's.  Fruit  of  medium  s  ze  ;  skin  pale  green,  very 
downy  ;  an  exr-ellent  dessert  fruit,  in  great,  repute. 

LORD  CRKWE,  Glutton's.  This  celebrated  variety  obtained  ninety-six 
prizes  in  two  seasons;  the  heaviest  berry  weighing  about  23  dwts.  It  is  a 
prolific  bearer,  and  worthy  of  general  cultivation. 

OCEAN,  Wainman's.     This  variety  won  two  hundred  and  sjventy-eight 


GOOSEIiHRRY.  69 

prizes  in  two  seasons ;  the  heaviest  berry  weighing  18  dwts.  8  grains.  The 
fruit  is  oblong  and  smooth. 

TROUBLER,  Moore's.  One  hundred  and  sixty  prizes  were  taken  for  this 
Variety  in  two  years  :  the  largest  berry  weighing  17  dwts.  13  grains. 

WISTASTON  HERO,  Bratkerton's.  Fruit  of  medim  size,  pale  green  co- 
lour ;  of  rich  pungent  flavour;  excellent  for  preserves,  and  when  fully  ripe 
it  is  a  delicious  dessert  fruit. 

WHITE. 

BONNY  LASS,  Capper's.  This  variety  won  one  hundred  and  sixty-seven 
prizes  in  two  seasons;  the  heaviest  berry  weighing  21  dwts.  10  grains. 

CHESHIRE  LASS.  Saunders's.  This  is  one  of  the  earliest  varieties,  and 
makes  excellent  tarts.  The  fruit  is  large,  oblong,  downy,  and  fine  flavoured. 

GOVERNESS,  Bratficrtori's.  One  hundred  and  twenty-four  prizes  wero 
awarded  for  this  variety  in  two  years  ;  the  largest  berry  weighing  24  dwts. 

LADY  DEI.AMERE,  Wylds's.  This  variety  took  two  hundred  and  fifty- 
three  prizes  in  two  seasons  ;  the  heaviest  berry  weighing  22  dwts.  6  grains. 

LADY  OF  THE  MANOR.  This  variety  won  ninety-eight  prizes  in  two 
seasons,  the  heaviest  berry  weighing  20  dwts.  9  grains.  It  is  held  in  great 
esteem  for  its  productiveness. 

LIONESS.  Fruit  of  medium  size,  oblong  shape;  skin  thin,  transparent; 
pulp  and  juice  saccharine  and  delicious. 

NAILER,  Blomiley's.  One  hundred  and  thirty-four  prizes  were  given  for 
this  variety  in  two  seasons ;  the  largest  berry  weighing  18  dwts.  12  grains. 

QUEEN  CAROLINE.  This  variety  won  one  hundred  and  forty-two  prizes 
in  two  years  ;  the  heaviest  berry  weighing  18  dwts.  1  grain.  It  is  a  richly 
flavoured  fruit. 

SHEBA  QUEEN,  Grampian's.  This  is  a  favourite  variety  for  private  gar- 
dens ;  the  fruit  is  early,  of  medium  size ;  shape  oblong  ;  skin  rather  downy ; 
pulp  pungent  and  rich. 

SMILING  GIRL.  This  is  a  smallish  early  fruit,  with  thin  transparent 
skin,  and  of  peculiarly  rich  flavour  even  when  fully  ripe. 

WELLINGTON'S  GLORY.  One  hundred  and  seventy-three  prizes  were  ob- 
tained in  two  seasons  for  this  variety ;  the  largest  berry  weighing  20  dwts. 
4  grains. 

WHITE  BEAR,  Mnore's-  A  fine  early  dessert  fruit ;  of  medium  size  and 
oblong  shape;  skin  hairy  and  somewhat  bristly;  a  prolific  bearer. 

WHITE  EAGLE.  This  variety  gained  four  hundred  and  seventy-six 
prizes  in  two  seasons;  the  heaviest  berry  weighing  23  dwts.  12  grains. 

WHITE  LION,  C/ieltuortfi's.  One  hundred  and  two  prizes  were  given  for 
this  variety  in  two  years;  the  largest  berry  weighing  18  dwts.  22  grains. 
The  fruit  is  late,  slightly  hairy,  and  excellent  for  tarts. 

WHITESMITH,  Woodward's.  This  is  a  small  early  berry,  weighing  about 
1 4  dwts.  The  skin  is  downy,  and  the  fruit  is  fully  equal  to  any  gooseberry 
of  its  colour. 

The  Gooseberry  may  be  propagated  by  all  the  modes  ap- 
plicable to  trees  or  shrubs,  but  that  by  cuttings  is  usually 
adopted  for  continuing  varieties,  and  that  by  seed  for  pro- 


70  GOOSEBERRY. 

curing  them.  The  cuttings  should  be  taken  from  promising 
shoots  just  before  the  leaves  begin  to  fall  in  the  autumn; 
the  greatest  part  of  the  buds  should  be  taken  off,  leaving 
only  two  or  three  buds  on  the  top.  Cut  them  at  such  a 
length  as  the  strength  and  ripeness  of  the  wood  will  bear ; 
and  plant  them  in  good  pulverized  soil.  On  the  approach 
of  winter,  lay  some  moss  or  litter  around  them ;  and,  by 
being  well  cultivated,  they  will  be  fit  to  transplant  when  they 
are  a  year  old. 

When  bushos  are  procured  from  the  public  nurseries,  let 
the  general  supply  be  in  such  kinds  as  will  ripen  in  succes- 
sion. They  may  be  planted  in  the  kitchen  garden,  in  single 
rows,  along  the  side  of  the  walks  or  paths,  or  in  compart- 
ments by  themselves,  in  rows  from  six  to  eight  feet  apart 
from  row  to  row,  and  five  or  six  feet  apart  in  the  rows ;  01 
in  small  gardens,  they  may  be  trained  to  a  single  tall  ntem, 
and  tied  to  a  stake ;  this,  though  six  or  eight  feet  high,  occa- 
sions scarcely  any  shade,  and  it  does  not  occupy  much  room, 
nor  exclude  air,  while,  at  the  same  time,  the  stem  becomes 
closely  hung  with  berries,  and  makes  a  pleasant  appearance  in 
that  state.  Persons  of  taste  may  train  them  on  arched  trel- 
lises, and  if  they  are  judiciously  managed,  the  ground  around 
them  may  be  more  easily  cultivated ;  the  fruit  may  be  kept 
from  being  splashed  with  rain,  and  may  be  easily  gathered 
when  wanted,  or  preserved  by  shading  with  mats,  &c.  Those 
who  may  have  a  choice  of  soil  and  site,  should  fix  on  a  good, 
rich,  loamy  earth,  and  plant  some  of  the  choice  kinds  in  a 
northern  and  eastern  aspect,  near  the  fence,  to  come  late  in 
succession. 

The  Gooseberry  produces  its  fruit  not  only  on  the  shoota 
of  the  pi'eceding  year,  and  on  shoots  two  or  three  years  old, 
but  also  on  spurs  or  snags  arising  from  the  ulder  branches 
along  the  sides ;  but  the  former  afford  the  largest  fruit.  The 
shoots  retained  for  bearers  should  therefore  be  left  at  full 
length,  or  nearly  so ;  the  first  pruning  should  be  done  before 
tuo  buds  swell,  so  as  not  to  endanger  their  being  rubbed  off 


GOOSEBERRY.  71 

in  the  operation.  Cut  out  all  the  superfluous  cross  shoots, 
and  prune  long  ramblers  and  low  stragglers  to  some  well 
placed  lateral  or  eye  :  retain  a  sufficiency  of  the  young  well 
situated  laterals  and  terminals  to  form  successional  bearers. 
In  cutting  out  superfluous  and  decayed  wood,  be  careful  to 
retain  a  leading  shoot  at  the  end  of  a  principal  branch.  The 
superfluous  young  laterals  on  the  good  main  branches,  in- 
stead of  being  taken  off  clean,  may  be  cut  into  little  stubs 
of  one  or  two  eyes,  which  will  send  out  fruit  buds  and  spurs. 

Some  persons  not  pruning  the  Gooseberry  bush  on  right 
principles,  cause  it  to  shoot  crowdedly  full  of  young  wood 
in  summer,  the  fruit  from  which  is  always  small,  and  does 
not  7  ipen  freely  with  full  flavour ;  on  which  account  it  is  an 
important  point  in  pruning,  to  keep  the  middle  of  the  head 
open  and  clear,  and  to  let  the  occasional  shortening  of  the 
shoots  be  sparing  and  moderate.  Between  the  bearing 
branches  keep  a  regulated  distance  of  at  least  six  inches  at 
the  extremities,  which  will  render  them  fertile  bearers  of 
good  fruit. 

The  prize  cultivators  of  this  fruit  in  Lancashire  are  par- 
ticular iu  preparing  a  very  rich  soil,  and  they  water  occa- 
sionally with  the  liquor  which  drains  from  dunghills ;  and 
there  are  s<»me  who,  not  content  with  watering  at  the  root 
and  over  the  top,  place  a  small  saucer  of  water  under  each 
Gooseberry,  only  six  or  eight  of  which  are  left  on  a  bush ; 
this  is  technically  called  suckling.  There  are  others  who 
ring  some  of  the  branches;  this  is  done  by  cutting  out  small 
circles  of  bark  round  them ;  and  by  pinching  off  a  great  part 
of  the  young  wood,  the  strength  is  thrown  to  the  fruit. 

Unripe  Gooseberries  may  be  preserved  in  bottles  against 
winter :  some,  after  filling  the  bottles  in  a  dry  state,  stand 
them  in  a  slow  oven,  or  in  hot  water,  so  as  to  heat  them 
gradually  through  without  cracking  them ;  they  will  keep  a 
whole  year  if  closely  corked  and  sealed  as  soon  as  cold. 

The  Gooseberry  may  be  forced  in  pots  or  boxes,  placed 
in  pits,  or  in  the  peach  house  or  vinery.  "  Hay  plants  iu 


72  GRAPE. 

pots  in  November,  removes  to  the  peach  house  in  January, 
and  has  ripe  fruit  in  the  end  of  April,  which  he  sends  to 
table  growing  on  the  plants." — Hort.  Trans,  iv.  416. 


GRAPE. 
VIGNE.      Vitis,  vinifera,  vnlpina. 

THE  Grape  Vine  is  described  by  Loudon  as  a  trailing 
deciduous  hardy  shrub,  with  a  twisted,  irregular  stem,  and 
long,  flexible  branches,  decumbent,  like  those  of  the  bramble, 
or  supporting  themselves,  when  near  other  trees,  by  means 
of  tendrils,  like  the  pea.  The  leaves  are  large,  lobed, 
entire,  or  serrated  and  downy,  or  smooth,  green  in  summer, 
but  when  mature,  those  of  varieties  in  which  the  predomi- 
nating colour  is  red,  constantly  change  to,  or  are  tinged 
with  some  shade  of  that  colour ;  and  those  of  white,  green, 
or  yellow  Grapes,  as  constantly  change  to  yellow,  and  are 
never  in  the  least  tinged  either  with  purple,  red,  or  scarlet. 
The  breadth  of  the  leaves  varies  from  five  to  seven  or  ten 
inches,  and  the  length  of  the  foot  stalks  from  four  to  eight 
inches.  The  flowers  are  produced  on  the  shoots  of  the 
same  year,  which  shoots  generally  proceed  from  those  of 
the  year  preceding :  they  are  in  the  form  of  a  raceme,  of  a 
greenish  white  colour,  and  fragrant  odour,  appearing  in 
the  open  air  in  June ;  and  the  fruit,  which  is  of  the  berry 
kind,  attains  such  maturity  as  the  season  and  situation  admit, 
by  the  middle  or  end  of  September.  The  berry,  or  Grape, 
is  generally  globular,  but  often  ovate,  oval,  oblong,  or  finger- 
shaped  ;  the  colour  green,  red,  yellow,  amber,  and  black,  or 
a  variegation  of  two  or  more  of  these  colours.  The  skin  is 
smooth,  the  pulp  and  juice  of  a  dulcet,  poignant,  elevated, 
generous  flavour.  Every  berry  ought  to  enclose  five  small 
heart  or  pear  shaped  stones;  though,  as  some  generally 
fail,  they  have  seldom  more  than  three,  and  some  varieties, 


GRAPR  73 

when  they  attain  a  certain  age,  as  the  Aacalon,  or  Sultana 
raisin,  none.  The  weight  of  a  berry  depends  not  only  on 
its  size,  but  on  the  thickness  of  its  skin  and  texture  of  the 
flesh,  the  lightest  being  the  thin-skinned  and  juicy  sorts,  as 
the  Sweet  Water  or  Muscadine ;  and  what  are  considered 
as  large  berried  of  these  varieties,  will  weigh  from  five  to 
seven  pennyweights,  and  measure  from  one  to  two-thirds  of 
an  inch  in  girth.  A  good-sized  bunch  of  the  same  sorts 
may  weigh  from  two  to  six  pounds ;  but  bunches  have  been 
grown  of  the  Syrian  Grape,  in  Syria,  weighing  forty  pounds, 
and  in  England  weighing  from  ten  to  nineteen  pounds.  A 
single  vine,  in  a  large  pot,  or  grown  as  a  dwarf  standard,  in 
the  manner  practised  in  the  vineyards  in  the  North  of  France, 
ordinarily  produces  from  three  to  nine  bunches ;  but  by 
superior  management  in  gardens  in  England,  the  number 
if  bunches  is  prodigiously  increased,  and  one  plant,  that  of 
the  red  Hamburgh  sort,  in  the  vinery  of  the  royal  gardens 
at  Hampton  Court,  has  produced  two  thousand  two  hundred 
bunches,  averaging  one  pound  each,  or  in  all  nearly  a  ton. 
That  at  Valentine,  in  Essex,  has  produced  two  thousand 
bunches  of  nearly  the  same  average  weight. 

The  age  to  which  the  vine  will  attain  in  >varm  climates  is 
so  great  as  not  to  be  known.  It  is  supposed  to  oe  equal  or 
even  to  surpass  that  of  the  oak.  Pliny  speaks  of  a  vino 
which  had  existed  six  hundred  years ;  and  Bose  says,  there 
are  vines  in  Burgundy  upward  of  four  hundred  \ears  of  age 

In  Italy  there  are  vineyards  which  have  been  in  a  flour 
ishing  state  for  upward  of  three  centuries,  and  Miller  tells 
us  that  a  vineyard  a  hundred  years  old  is  reckoned  young. 
The  extent  of  the  branches  of  the  vine,  in  certain  situation* 
and  circumstances,  is  commensurate  with  its  produce  and 
soil.  In  the  hedges  of  Italy,  and  woods  of  America,  they 
are  found  overtopping  the  highest  elm  and  poplar  trees ;  and 
in  England,  one  plant,  (lately  dead,)  trained  against  a  row 
of  houses  in  Northallerton,  covered  a  space,  in  1585,  of  one 
hundred  and  thir^y-sr-  ren  square  yards ;  it  was  then  above 


74  GRAPE. 

one  hundred  years  old.  That  at  Hampton  Court,  nearly  of 
the  same  age,  occupies  above  one  hundred  and  sixty  square 
yards ;  and  that  at  Valentine,  in  Essex,  above  one  hundred 
and  forty-seven  square  yards.  The  size  to  which  the  trunk, 
or  stem,  sometimes  attains  in  warm  climates,  is  so  great  as 
to  have  afforded  planks  fifteen  inches  broad,  furniture,  and 
statues;  and  the  Northallerton  vine,  above  mentioned,  in 
1785  measured  four  feet  in  ciicumference  near  the  ground, 
and  one  branch  of  the  Hampton  Court  vine  measures  one 
hundred  and  fourteen  feet  in  length.  Vine  timber  is  of  great 
durability. 

The  varieties  of  the  Grape  in  countries  where  it  is  grown 
for  the  wine  press,  are  as  numerous  as  the  vineyards ;  for  as 
these  for  the  most  part  differ  in  soil,  aspect,  elevation,  or 
otherwise,  and  as  the  vine  is  greatly  the  child  of  local  cir- 
cumstances, its  habits  soon  become  adapted  to  those  in 
which  it  is  placed.  When  it  is  considered  that  a  vineyard 
once  planted  will  last  two  or  three  centuries,  it  will  readily 
be  conceived  that  the  nature  of  a  variety  may  be  totally 
changed  during  only  a  part  of  that  time.  The  varieties 
mostly  in  esteem  for  wine  making  are  small  berries,  and 
bunches  with  an  austere  taste.  The  Burgundy,  as  modified 
by  different  soils  arid  situations,  may  be  considered  the  most 
general  vineyard  Grape  of  France,  from  Champagne  or 
Marne,  to  Marseilles  or  Bordeaux. 

The  best  wine  in  Italy  and  Spain  is  also  made  from  Grapes 
of  this  description ;  but  in  both  countries  many  of  the  larger- 
berried  sorts  are  grown  on  account  of  their  producing  more 
liquor.  The  sweet  wines,  as  the  Malmsey,  Madeira,  Con- 
stantia,  Tokay,  &c.,  are  made  from  sweet-berried  Grapes, 
allowed  to  remain  on  the  plants  till  over-ripe.  That  wine 
is  the  strongest,  and  has  most  flavour,  in  which  both  the 
skins  and  stones  are  bruised  arid  fermented.  The  same 
thing  is  the  case  in  making  cider;  but  in  both  processes 
bruising  the  stones  or  kernels  is  neglected.  The  vine  was 
formerly  extensively  cultivated  in  Britain  for  the  wine  press, 


GRAPE.  5 

but  its  culture  is  now  confined  to  the  garden  as  a  dessert 
fruit ;  and  they  have  in  that  country  not  only  the  best  varie- 
ties, but  they  grow  the  fruit  to  a  larger  size,  and  of  a  higher 
flavour,  than  is  done  any  where  else  in  the  world ;  this  is 
owing  to  the  perfection  of  their  artificial  climates,  and  the 
great  attention  paid  to  soil  and  subsoil,  and  other  points  of 
culture.  The  fruit  is  produced  in  some  vineries  during  every 
month  in  the  year ;  and  in  the  London  markets  (generally) 
it  is  to  be  had  in  the  highest  degree  of  perfection  from  March 
to  January. 

The  vine  will  thrive  in  any  soil  that  has  a  dry  bottom ; 
and  in  such  as  are  rich  and  deep  it  will  grow  luxuriantly, 
and  produce  abundance  of  large  fruit;  in  shallow,  dry, 
chalky,  or  gravelly  soils,  it  will  produce  less  fruit,  but  of 
better  flavour.  Speechly  recommends  dung  reduced  to  a 
black  mould,  the  dust  and  dirt  of  roads,  the  offal  of  animals, 
or  butchers'  manure,  horn  shavings,  old  rags,  shavings  of 
leather,  bone  dust,  dung  of  deer  and  sheep,  human  excre- 
ment when  duly  meliorated  by  time,  a  winter's  frost,  and 
repeatedly  turning  over.  Abercrombie  says  that  dung  out 
of  a  cow-house,  perfectly  rotted,  is  a  fine  manure  for  the 
vine  ;  he  recommends  drainings  from  dunghills  to  be  used 
over  the  ground  once  in  ten  or  fourteen  days  from  the  time 
the  buds  rise,  till  the  fruit  is  set,  and  that  fresh  horse  dung 
be  spread  over  the  ground  in  autumn  as  a  manure,  and  also 
to  protect  the  roots  from  the  inclemency  of  the  weather ; 
some,  however,  disapprove  of  manuring  high,  as  being  cal- 
culated to  produce  wood  rather  than  fruit* 

The  general  mode  of  propagating  the  vine  is  by  cuttings, 
either  a  foot  or  more  long,  with  a  portion  of  two  year  old 

*  It  has  been  proved  by  repeated  experiments  that  the  best  manure  for 
vines,  is  the  branches  pruned  from  the  vines  themselves,  cut  into  small 
pieces  and  mixed  with  the  soil  by  means  of  a  garden  hoe.  Dr.  Liebig,  in 
his  'Organic  Chemistry,'  mentions  several  instances  of  vines  being  kept  in 
a  thriving  condition  for  from  ten  to  thirty  years  by  the  trimmings  of  vines 
alone.  The  discovery  was  made  by  poor  peasants,  who  could  not  afford 
to  buy  the  ordinary  kinds  of  manure. 


76  GRAPE. 

wood,  or  short,  with  only  one  bud,  or  one  bud  and  a  half 
joint,  &c.  Vines  are  to  be  had  at  the  nurseries,  propagated 
either  from  layers,  cuttings,  or  eyes ;  but  plants  raised  from 
cuttings  are  generally  preferred ;  many  are  of  opinion  that 
it  is  a  matter  of  indifference  from  which  class  the  choice  is 
made,  provided  the  plants  are  well  rooted,  and  in  good 
health,  arid  the  wood  ripe.  A  mode  of  very  general  utility 
is  to  select  the  plants  in  the  nursery  a  year  before  wanted, 
and  to  order  them  to  be  potted  in  very  large  pots.  Varie- 
ties without  end  are  raised  from  seed,  and  it  is  thought  that 
by  propagating  from  the  seed  of  successive  generations, 
some  sorts  may  ultimately  be  procured,  better  adapted  for 
ripening  their  fruit  in  the  open  air  than  now  known.  A 
seedling  vine,  carefully  treated,  will  show  blossoms  in  its 
fourth  or  fifth  year ;  say  that  it  produces  a  fair  specimen  of 
its  fruit  in  the  sixth  year,  then  a  new  generation  may  be 
obtained  so  often ;  but  seed  ought  never  to  be  sown,  except 
for  experiment. 

The  following  method  of  grafting  the  vine  is  recommended 
by  Mr.  Loudon  :  Select  a  scion  with  one  good  eye  ;  pare  it 
beneath  the  eye  and  on  the  opposite  side,  in  the  form  of  a 
wedge.  Select  from  the  stock  to  be  grafted  on,  a  branch  of 
the  preceding  year ;  cut  this  off  a  little  above  the  second 
eye  from  its  base ;  then  with  a  sharp  knife  split  it  down  the 
centre  nearly  to  the  old  wood.  Out  of  each  half  of  the 
stock,  but  chiefly  out  of  that  half  which  is  opposite  the  bud, 
pare  off  as  much  as  is  necessary  to  make  it  fit  the  scion, 
which  must  be  inserted  with  its  eye  opposite  to  the  eye 
which  is  left  on  the  top  of  the  stock,  and  bandaged  together 
carefully  with  bass  matting.  Some  use  grafting  clay,  others 
composition  ;  in  either  case,  a  small  hole  for  the  eye  of  the 
graft,  and  another  hole  for  the  eye  left  on  the  stock,  must 
be  left  open.  Tie  over  a  little  moss,  to  be  occasionally  sprin- 
kled with  water.  It  is  very  essential  that  the  young  shoot 
on  the  top  of  the  stock  should  be  allowed  to  grow  for  ten  or 
fifteen  days ;  then  cut  it  off,  leaving  only  one  eye  and  one 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OF    GRAPES.  77 

leaf  to  draw  the  sap  and  keep  alive  the  circulation,  till  both 
scion  and  stock  are  perfectly  united. 

William  Robert  Prince,  in  his  Treatise  on  the  Vine,  pub- 
lished in  1830,  enumerated  about  five  hundred  and  fifty  va- 
rieties under  cultivation,  in  the  vineyard  attached  to  the  Lin- 
naean  Botanic  Garden  at  Flushing,  including  about  ninety 
American  native  Grapes ;  but  no  sufficient  evidence  has  as 
yet  been  exhibited  of  the  foreign  varieties  flourishing  in 
vineyards  here,  equal  to  what  they  do  in  Europe.  Mr.  Lou- 
bat  once  attempted  to  establish  a  vineyard  on  Long  Island, 
which  he  abandoned  after  six  years'  arduous  exertion.  The 
following  have  been  found  to  succeed  best  in  private  shel- 
tered gardens  in  the  vicinity  of  New- York  :  the  Sweetwater, 
the  Chasselas,  the  Muscadine,  the  White  Tokay,  the  Black 
Hambuigh,  the  Blue  Cortiga,  the  Miller  Burgundy,  the 
Austrian  Muscadel,  the  Messlier,  the  Morilon,  the  Black 
Prince,  Blanc,  and  some  excellent  seedling  sorts  from  the 
imported  Lisbon  Grapes.  To  plant  a  vinery  for  a  full  crop 
of  good  Grapes  of  various  flavours,  take  a  white  and  red 
Muscat,  a  white  and  red,  or  black  Muscadel,  a  white  Raisin 
Grape,  a  white  and  red  Hamburgh,  a  Stilwell's,  and  red 
Sweetwater,  a  white  and  red  Nice,  a  black  Damascus,  a 
red  Syracuse,  and  a  black  Constantia.  The  above  list  con- 
tains some  of  the  most  esteemed  table  Grapes  of  all  colours 
and  flavours,  which  will  ripen  in  succession. 


SELECT  DESCRIPTIVE   LIST  OF  NATIVE 
GRAPES. 

ALEXANDER,  Constantia  of  Vevay,  Madeira  of  York,  Pa.,  Winne,  Schuyl- 
kill  Muscadel.  A  good  wine  fruit,  of  large  size,  blackish  colour,  and  ob- 
long form ;  very  juicy  and  pungent ;  a  great  and  sure  bearer. 

BLAND,  Blond's  Madeira,  Eland's  Virginia,  Mazzci,  Po:rel.  A  pale 
red  grape,  of  large  size  and  round  shape,  rather  musky,  but  the  juice  is 
sweet  and  lively. 

CAROLINA  PERFUMED.  A  medium  sized  fruit,  of  purple  colour  and 
rather  an  unpleasant  odour;  it  is,  however,  considered  as  well  adapted  for 
wine,  being  rather  pungent,  very  juicy,  and  pulpless. 


78  GRAPE. 

CATAWBA,  Red  Muncy,  To  Kalon.  A  fine  variety,  above  medium  size, 
of  dark  red  colour,  in  form  round,  in  flavour  delicious  for  the  dessert,  and 
highly  productive ;  it  ripens  soon  after  the  Isabella. 

CUNNINGHAM.  A  native  of  Prince  Edward's  county,  Virginia;  the  ber- 
ries are  round,  black,  of  medium  size,  and  not  liable  to  rot ;  they  are  said 
to  resemble,  in  taste,  the  Nigrillo  of  Madeira,  and  are  considered  good  for 
wine  as  well  as  for  the  table. 

ELSINBURG.  Fruit  small,  round,  of  purple  colour,  and  delicate  musky 
flavour,  without  pulp ;  good  for  wine,  and  as  a  dessert  fruit ;  the  vine  is 
very  hardy  and  productive. 

HIDE'S  ELIZA.  Berries  large,  oval,  of  violet  colour,  and  excellent  fla- 
vour; alike  suited,  for  the  dessert  and  for  wine. 

ISABELLA.  A  well  known  and  hiuhly  estimated  variety.  Fruit  large, 
oval,  of  rich  purple  colour,  covered  with  bloom  ;  skin,  under  good  cultiva- 
tion, thin  ;  flesh  juicy,  rich,  and  vinous  ;  an  excellent  dessert  fruit. 

LUFBOROUGH.  A  sweet  fox  grape  of  large  size  and  round  shape;  skin, 
dark  purple  ;  pulp  dissolving  in  a  saccharine  musky  juice  j  good  for  wine 

MADDOX.  A  good  wine  grape,  not  liable  to  rot ;  it  is  of  medium  size  j 
roundish ;  of  a  brownish  red  colour,  and  a  brisk  vinous  flavour. 

NORTON'S  VIRGINIA  SEEDLING,  Longworttis  Ohio.  An  early  fruit  of 
medium  size  and  dark  purple  colour;  it  ripens  in  September;  makes  ex- 
cellent wine  ;  it  is  also  generally  approved  as  a  dessert  fruit. 

POND'S  SEEDLING.  A  large  purple  grape  of  roundish  form,  tbin  skin, 
and  of  rich  pungent  flavour;  adapted  for  wine,  as  well  as  for  the  table. 

SCUPPERNONG.  This  species  is  very  prolific;  the  berries  are  large,  round- 
ish, and  of  a  colour  varying  from  brick  red  to  black;  makes  peculiar  Mus- 
cat wine,  and  is  highly  esteemed  as  a  dessert  fruit 

WARREN,  Madeira.  A  round  fruit  of  medium  size  and  dark  purple  co 
lour ;  it  is  considered  by  some  as  the  most  luscious  of  all  native  grapes ;  it 
makes  excellent  wine. 

WOODSON.  A  small  round  black  Virginian  variety,  from  Prince  Edward's 
county;  it  is  celebrated  as  a  very  proper  fruit  for  the  manufacture  of 
sparkling  wine  ;  it  ripens  later  than  most  other  varieties,  but  yields  abun- 
dantly. 

The  above  list  comprises  the  most  esteemed  species  of 
Native  Grapes  under  cultivation  ;  the  greater  part  of  which, 
with  the  best  of  the  foreign  varieties,  may  be  purchased  at 
the  Commercial  Garden  and  Nursery  of  Messrs.  Parsons  & 
Co.,  Flushing,  Long  Island,  near  New- York. 

Previous  to  planting  vines,  care  should  be  taken  that  the 
ground  be  well  pulverized  and  prepared  for  some  distance 
around  for  the  roots  to  spread.  The  soil  should  be  deep  and 
dry,  and  some  rich  compost,  or  vegetable  mould,  should  be 
used  around  the  roots  in  filling  in ;  a  handful  or  two  of  wet 


GRAPE.  79 

ashes  to  each  plant  is  recommended  by  Mr.  Loubat,  as  bene- 
ficial ;  and  he  recommends  the  planting  to  be  done  in  the 
month  of  March,  or  early  in  April. 

There  are  various  methods  adopted  in  training  and  prun- 
ing the  vine ;  and  it  appears  impossible  to  lay  down  rules 
to  suit  every  cultivator.  The  vine  having,  like  other  trees, 
a  tendency  to  produce  its  most  vigorous  shoots  at  the  ex- 
tremities of  the  branches,  and  particularly  so  at  those  which 
are  situated  highest,  it  generally  happens,  when  it  is  trained 
high,  that  the  greater  portion  of  the  fruit  is  borne  near  the 
top  ;  and  it  has  been  observed,  that  the  fruit  produced  on 
the  vigorous  shoots,  which  naturally  grow  at  the  extremities 
of  the  long  branches,  is  generally  more  abundant,  and  of 
finer  quality  than  that  produced  on  the  short  lateral  ones, 
from  which  circumstance,  high  training  seems  to  be  the  best 
calculated  for  private  gardens. 

In  some  parts  of  Italy,  vines  are  cultivated  together  with 
Mulberry  trees,  and  are  allowed  to  mingle  and  hang  in  fes- 
toons;  thus  silk  and  wine  are  produced  on  the  same  spot; 
and  it  is  considered  that  when  vines  are  allowed  to  grow 
over  trees,  on  the  side  of  a  house,  or  on  bowers,  or  extended 
on  tall  poles,  without  much  trimming,  they  will  produce  more 
fruit,  and  are  not  so  liable  to  mildew. 

Dr.  G.  W.  Chapman,  of  New- York,  having  paid  some 
attention  to  the  cultivation  of  native  Grapes,  observes,  that 
the  vine,  in  its  natural  state,  seldom  or  never  throws  out 
bearing  shoots  until  it  reaches  the  top  of  the  tree  on  which 
it  ascends,  when  the  branches  take  a  horizontal  or  descend- 
ing position.  From  this  fact  he  considers  horizontal  training 
preferable  to  that  in  the  fan  shape.  From  the  experiments 
he  has  made,  he  has  found  that  the  shoots  coming  from  those 
parts  of  the  branches  bent  downward,  are  more  productive 
than  from  those  ascending;  he  considers  deep  digging 
around  the  vine,  even  to  the  destruction  of  some  of  the  ex- 
tending roots,  as  calculated  to  promote  the  growth  of  more 
fruit  and  less  wood,  than  if  allowed  to  spread  near  the  sur- 


80  GRAPE. 

face ;  and  he  disapproves  stopping  the  shoots  before  the  fruit 
until  early  in  July. 

Mr.  William  Wilson,  of  Clermont,  leaves  his  foreign  vines 
their  whole  length  at  the  time  of  trimming  iu  October.  In 
November,  they  are  laid  on  the  ground  at  full  length,  fastened 
down  with  pins,  and  covered  lightly  with  earth ;  in  this  state 
they  lie  all  the  winter.  In  April,  as  soon  as  the  weather 
will  permit,  they  are  uncovered,  and  left  lying  on  the  ground 
ten  or  twelve  days  :  by  the  first  of  May,  the  vines  are  trained 
to  stakes  or  poles  of  the  length  of  ten  feet  and  upward ; 
and  by  the  middle  of  June  the  stakes  are  entirely  covered 
by  new  shoots  of  the  vine,  and  with  plenty  of  fruit,  which 
ripens  in  September.  Mr.  W.  says,  that  until  he  pursued 
his  present  course,  his  fruit  was  frequently  blasted  and  mil- 
dewed, but  that  he  has  now  vines  twenty  or  thirty  feet  long, 
which  run  up  the  fruit  trees  adjoining ;  others,  being  carried 
up  eight  or  ten  feet,  are  stretched  horizontally.  It  is  seldom 
he  gathers  fruit  within  three  or  four  feet  of  the  ground,  and 
he  has  never  any  blasted  or  infected  with  mildew  ;  he  keeps 
the  ground  cultivated  by  frequent  hoeing ;  but  he  says  he 
has  used  no  manure  for  ten  years  or  more. 

Edward  H.  Bonsall  has  a  vineyard  of  American  Grapes 
at  Germantown,  Pa.,  in  a  high  state  of  cultivation.  In  page 
331  of  Prince's  Treatise  on  the  Vine,  is  a  letter  to  the  au- 
thor, containing  some  valuable  information,  from  which  the 
following  is  extracted  as  appropriate  to  our  subject. 

Mr.  Bonsall's  vineyard  is  situated  between  the  Schuylkill 
and  Delaware  Rivers,  four  miles  from  the  former,  and  eight 
from  the  latter,  at  an  elevation  of  three  hundred  feet  above 
their  level ;  has  an  aspect  facing  S.  S.  E.,  with  a  substratum 
of  light  isinglass  soil,  and  seems  well  suited  to  the  purpose. 
He  says,  "  from  my  experience,  both  on  my  premises  and  at 
other  places,  it  is  my  opinion  that  we  should  reject  almost 
all  the  foreign  varieties,  especially  where  our  object  in  culti- 
vating them  is  to  make  wine."  He  has  upward  of  thirty 
varieties  of  American  vines  under  cultivation ;  he  recom- 


QRAPE.  81 

mends  preparing  the  ground  by  ploughing  with  two  ploughs 
with  strong  teams,  one  immediately  behind  the  other,  in  the 
same  furrow,  each  of  them  set  deep;  and  after  the  plough- 
ing is  completed,  to  be  harrowed  thoroughly.  Then  in  the 
direction  the  rows  are  intended  to  be  planted,  parallel  fur- 
rows are  run  across  the  field,  at  the  distance  of  eight  feet 
from  each  other ;  these  are  afterward  crossed  at  right  an 
gles,  five  feet  asunder.  In  the  opening,  at  the  intersection 
of  these  furrows,  cuttings  from  nine  to  twelve  inches  long 
are  planted,  and  arranged  with  a  view  to  the  vines  being, 
when  grown,  at  distances  of  four  by  seven  feet  from  each 
other ;  to  this  end,  he  frequently  plants  two  cuttings  in  a 
place,  some  of  which  are  used  to  fill  up  with,  in  case  of 
failures.  He  says,  that  in  1829  he  planted  in  nursery  beds 
from  two  to  three  thousand  cuttings  as  late  as  the  middle  of 
April  to  the  middle  of  May,  with  better  success  than  at  any 
previous  time.  "  In  this  case  the  slips  should  be  kept  in  a 
cool,  damp  place,  where  vegetation  may  be  held  in  check. 
To  insure  their  freshness,  sprinkle  them  occasionally  with 
water.  Previous  to  planting  cut  them  a  proper  length,  and 
place  them  with  their  lower  ends  three  or  four  inches  in 
water,  in  a  tub  above  ground,  where  they  may  soak  three  or 
four  days.  At  this  season  the  temperature  will  be  likely  to 
be  such  as  to  spur  vegetation  at  once  into  healthy  and 
vigorous  action.  The  autumn,  or  early  in  the  spring,  is 
preferable  for  rooted  plants.  In  the  autumn  of  the  first 
year,  after  the  frost  has  killed  the  unripe  part  of  the  young 
shoots,  they  should  be  pruned  down  to  the  mature,  firm 
wood,  and  then  with  a  hoe  hilled  over  with  the  surrounding 
soil,  which  will  completely  protect  them  through  the  winter. 
If  left  without  protection  the  first  winter,  many  of  them  will 
perish." 

Mr.  Bonsall  says,  his  mode  of  training,  as  far  as  he  is 
aware  of  it,  is  entirely  peculiar  to  himself,  which  he  describes 
as  follows :  "  I  take  chestnut  posts,  the  thickness  of  large 
fence  rails,  seven  feet  in  length;  these  I  plant  along  the 


82  GRAPE. 

rows,  at  distances  of  ten  feet  from  each  other,  and  at  such 
a  depth  as  to  leave  five  feet  above  the  surface  of  the  earth ; 
then  taking  three  nails  to  each  post,  and  driving  them  to 
within  half  an  inch  of  their  heads,  the  first  two  and  a  half 
feet  from  the  ground,  a  second  midway  between  that  and 
the  top,  and  the  third  near  the  top,  I  attach  No.  11  iron  wire 
(one  degree  soft  is  best)  firmly  to  one  of  the  nails  in  the 
end  post,  pass  on  to  the  next,  and  stretching  it  straight  and 
tight,  give  it  one  turn  round  a  nail  in  the  same  line  as  the 
one  to  which  it  was  first  attached.  Having  in  this  manner 
extended  it  along  the  three  courses,  the  whole  length  of  the 
row,  my  trellis  is  formed.  I  have  had  a  portion  of  my  vine- 
yard fitted  up  in  this  way  for  three  years,  and  experience 
has  confirmed  the  superior  fitness  of  the  plan.  It  is  not  its 
least  recommendation,  that  it  possesses  in  a  degree  the  cha- 
racter of  labour-saving  machinery.  -  A  very  important  and 
extensive  labour-making  portion  of  the  operations  in  the 
vineyard  during  the  summer,  is  the  attention  required  by  the 
growing  shoots  to  keep  them  properly  trained  up.  They 
grow  and  extend  themselves  so  rapidly,  that  where  the  strips 
of  the  trellis  are  lath,  or  where  poles  are  used  to  support 
vines,  unless  very  closely  watched,  they  fall  down  in  every 
direction,  in  a  very  unsightly  and  injurious  manner.  Here 
the  wire  being  small,  the  tendrils  or  claspers  eagerly  and 
firmly  attach  themselves  to  it,  and  thus  work  for  themselves 
in  probably  two-thirds  of  the  instances  where  the  attention 
of  the  vigneron  would  otherwise  be  required.  There  is  a 
free  access  afforded  to  the  sun  and  air,  and  no  hold  for  the 
wind  to  strain  the  frame,"  &c.  Mr.  Bonsall  says  faither,  "  I 
shall  not  enter  into  a  minute  description  of  my  manner  of 
pruning,  but  may  just  say,  that  after  the  vines  have  attained 
a  full  capacity  for  production,  (say  five  years  from  the  cut- 
ting,) my  view  is  to  prepare  them  for  bearing  an  average  of 
fifty  clusters  to  each,  leaving  several  shoots  of  from  three  to 
five  joints  on  a  vine  for  this  purpose.  When  fresh  pruned, 
they  will  not  be  more  than  four  feet  high,  at  their  greatest  age." 


GRAPE.  83 

Dr.  R.  T.  Underbill,  of  New- York,  has  a  vineyard  at 
Croton  Point,  near  Sing  Sing,  where,  after  having  sunk 
thousands  of  dollars  in  attempting  to  raise  the  most  cele- 
brated foreign  varieties,  he  abandoned  the  project  as  vision- 
ary, and  commenced  planting  the  Isabella  Grape  in  1832, 
and  the  Catawba  in  1835.  Mr.  Underbill  has  now  upward 
of  twenty  acres  of  these  grapes,  chiefly  of  the  former,  un- 
der the  most  successful  cultivation.  He  says  that  the  Isa- 
bella Grape  ripens  two  or  three  weeks  earlier  than  the  Ca- 
tawba, and  that  these  two  varieties  are,  in  his  estimation,  the 
best  adapted  for  general  purposes  ;  the  former  yielding  with 
him  a  more  valuable  crop  than  any  other  with  which  he  is  ac- 
quainted. He  says  that  the  quality  of  this  fruit  has  improved 
very  much  within  a  few  years,  the  clusters  and  berries  being 
much  larger  and  sweeter ;  and  that  they  are  capable  of  still 
greater  improvement  by  high  cultivation. 

The  following  extracts  are  from  Dr.  Underbill's  commu- 
nication to  the  editor  of  the  '  Cultivator,'  published  January 
28th,  1843 : 

"  In  this  latitude,  (south  of  the  highlands  of  the  Hudson,) 
I  find  that  the  Isabella  Grape  ripens  quite  as  well  when 
planted  in  a  level  field,  protected  from  the  north  and  west 
winds  by  woods  or  hedges,  as  on  declivities.  Several  of  my 
vineyards  are  thus  located,  and,  as  far  as  I  can  perceive,  the 
fruit  ripens  at  about  the  same  time,  and  is  of  the  same 
quality  as  those  planted  on  steep  side-hills.  I  think,  how- 
ever, that  north  of  the  highlands,  side-hills  would  be  pi'efer- 
able.  To  prepare  the  ground  for  a  vineyard,  the  best  way 
is  to  turn  over  the  whole  of  the  surface  soil  from  fifteen  to 
eighteen  inches  in  depth,  early  in  the  spiing,  by  ploughing 
twice  in  the  same  furrow.  This  will  place  the  richest  part 
of  the  soil  in  a  position  where  it  will  give  the  greatest  sup- 
ply of  nourishment  to  the  vines.  Few  vineyards  in  this 
countiy  have  been  prepared  in  this  way;  but  the  cost  is  so 
email  and  the  advantages  so  great,  that  it  should  be  done 
wherever  there  are  no  rosks  or  large  stones  to  prevent  it." 


84  GRAPE. 

The  following  observations  on  the  destruction  of  the  Rose- 
bug,  were  also  published  in  the  *  Cultivator/  Sept.  13  1842  : 

"  I  observed  that  when  the  rose-bugs  first  appeared  on  the 
vines,  they  were  so  feeble  as  to  be  unable  to  fly  even  for  a 
few  yards.  Having  surmounted  all  other  difficulties,  I  was 
determined  not  to  be  defeated  in  the  vineyard  cultivation 
of  the  Grape  by  this  insect,  and  consequently  resorted  to 
the  following  means  for  its  destruction.  I  directed  my  men 
to  take  each  a  cup,  with  a  little  water  in  it,  arid  go  through 
the  vineyards  every  morning,  removing  every  bug  from  the 
vines ;  and  this  was  done  quite  rapidly  by  passing  the  cup 
under  the  leaf  and  merely  touching  it,  when  the  bugs  in- 
stantly dropped,  and  were  received  in  the  cup  containing  the 
water.  When  the  cup  was  full,  they  were  soon  destroyed 
by  pressing  the  foot  upon  them  on  a  hard  surface.  This 
plan  was  persevered  in  every  morning  as  long  as  a  bug  could 
be  found,  and  was  attended  with  such  success,  that  they 
have  given  me  very  little  trouble  since.  I  also  tried  plough- 
ing my  vineyards  just  before  winter  set  in,  so  as  to  expose 
to  the  weather  the  insect  in  the  larvae  state,  which  will 
certainly  destroy  the  young  tribe  that  have  not  descended 
below  the  reach  of  the  plough.  For  two  years  past  the 
number  has  been  so  small  that  I  have  omitted  this  process 
for  their  destruction. — R.  T.  Underhill." 

Although  the  man  of  taste  and  capacity  for  improving  on 
the  improvements  of  others,  may  have  gleaned  ideas  from 
the  above  extracts,  sufficient  to  enable  him  to  cultivate  the 
vine  in  his  own  garden,  it  may  be  necessary  to  direct  the 
reader's  attention  to  the  different  methods  of  cultivating  this 
excellent  fruit  in  varied  situations. 

A  vine  may  be  trained  horizontally  under  the  coping  of 
a  close  fence  or  wall,  to  a  great  distance,  and  the  borders 
in  an  east,  southeast,  and  southern  aspect  of  large  gardens, 
may  be  furnished  with  a  variety  of  sorts,  which  will  ripen 
in  great  perfection,  without  encumbering  the  borders ;  or 
the  plants  may  be  trained  low,  like  currant  bushes;  in 


GRAPE.  85 

which  case,  three  or  more  shoots,  eighteen  inches  or  two  feet 
in  length,  may  diverge  from  the  stem  near  the  ground,  to 
supply  young  wood  annually  for  bearing.  The  summer 
pruning  consists  in  removing  shoots  which  have  no  fruit,  or 
are  not  required  for  the  succeeding  season ;  and  in  topping 
fruit-bearing  shoots,  and  also  those  for  succeeding  years, 
when  inconveniently  long  and  straggling.  For  as,  by  this 
mode,  the  shoots  destined  to  bear  are  all  cut  into  three  or 
four  eyes  at  the  winter  pruning,  no  inconvenience  arises  from 
their  throwing  out  laterals  near  the  extremities,  which  top- 
ping will  generally  cause  them  to  do. 

In  training  vines  as  standards,  the  single  stem  at  the  bot- 
tom is  not  allowed  to  exceed  six  or  eight  inches  in  height, 
and  from  this  two  or  three  shoots  are  trained,  or  tied  to  a 
single  stake  of  three  or  four  feet  in  length.  These  shoots 
bear  each  two  or  three  bunches,  within  a  foot  or  eighteen 
inches  of  the  ground,  and  they  are  annually  succeeded  by 
others  which  spring  from  their  base,  that  is,  from  the  crown 
or  top  of  the  dwarf  main  stem.  This  is  the  mode  practised 
in  the  North  of  France  and  in  Germany ;  in  the  South  of 
France  and  Italy,  the  base  or  main  stem  is  often  higher,  and 
furnished  with  side  shoots,  in  order  to  afford  a  great  supply 
of  bearing  wood,  which  is  tied  to  one  or  more  poles  of 
greater  height.  The  summer  pruning,  in  this  case,  is  nearly 
the  same  as  in  the  last.  In  the  winter  pruning,  the  wood 
that  has  borne  is  cut  out,  and  the  new  wood  shortened,  in 
cold  situations,  to  three  or  four  eyes,  and  in  warmer  places, 
to  six  or  eight  eyes. 

Nicol  observes,  that  "  Most  of  the  summer  pruning  of 
vines  may  be  performed  with  the  fingers,  without  a  knife, 
the  shoots  to  be  displaced  being  easily  rubbed  off,  and  those 
to  be  shortened,  being  little,  are  readily  pinched  asunder." 
After  selecting  the  shoots  to  be  trained  for  the  production  of 
a  cjop  next  season,  and  others  necessary  for  filling  the  trellis 
from  the  bottom,  which  shoots  should  generally  be  laid  in 
at  the  distance  of  a  foot  or  fifteen  inches  from  each  other, 

8 


£6  GRAPE. 

rub  off  all  the  others  tnat  have  no  clusters,  and  shorten  those 
that  have,  at  one  joint  above  the  uppermost  cluster.  For 
this  purpose,  go  over  the  plants  every  three  or  four  days 
till  all  the  shoots  in  fruit  have  shown  their  clusters,  at  the 
same  time  rubbing  off  any  water  shoots  that  may  rise  from 
the  wood. 

Train  in  the  shoots  to  be  retained,  as  they  advance.  If 
there  be  an  under  trellis,  on  which  to  train  the  summer 
shoots,  they  may,  when  six  or  eight  feet  in  length,  or  when 
the  Grapes  are  swelling,  be  let  down  to  it,  that  the  fruit  may 
enjoy  the  full  air  and  light  as  it  advances  toward  maturity. 
Such  of  these  shoots  as  issue  from  the  bottom,  and  are  to 
be  shortened  in  the  winter  pruning  to  a  few  eyes,  merely  for 
the  production  of  wood  to  fill  the  trellis,  may  be  stopped 
when  they  have  grown  to  the  length  of  four  or  five  feet. 
Others  that  are  intended  to  be  cut  down  to  about  two  yards, 
and  which  issue  at  different  heights,  may  be  stopped  when 
they  have  run  three  yards,  or  ten  feet,  less  or  more,  accord- 
ing to  their  strength.  And  those  intended  to  be  cut  at  or 
near  the  top  of  the  trellis,  should  be  trained  a  yard  or  two 
down  the  back,  or  a  trellis  may  be  placed  so  as  to  form  an 
arbour ;  or  they  may  be  placed  to  run  right  or  left  a  few  feet 
on  the  uppermost  wire. 

The  stubs  or  shoots  on  which  the  clusters  are  placed  will 
probably  push  again  after  being  stopped,  if  the  plants  be 
vigorous.  If  so,  stop  them  again  and  again ;  but  after  the 
fruit  are  half  grown,  they  will  seldom  spring.  Observe  to 
divest  the  shoots,  in  training,  of  all  laterals  as  they  appear, 
except  the  uppermost  on  each,  in  order  to  provide  against 
accidents,  as  hinted  before,  in  training  the  newly-planted 
vines.  When  these  shoots  are  stopped,  as  directed  above, 
they  will  push  again.  Allow  the  lateral  that  pushes,  to  run 
a  few  joints,  and  then  shorten  it  back  to  one,  and  so  on  as  it 
pushes,  until  it  stops  entirely.  When  the  proper  shoots  get 
ripened  nearly  to  the  top,  the  whole  may  be  cut  back  to  the 
originally  shortened  part,  or  to  one  joint  above  it,  if  there 


OR APE.  87 

be  reason  to  fear  thai  the  uppermost  bud  of  the  proper  shoot 
will  start. 

Divest  the  plants  of  all  damped  and  decayed  leaves  as  they 
appear,  as  such  will  sometimes  occur  in  continued  hazy 
weather,  arid  be  particularly  cautious  not  to  injure  the  leaf 
that  accompanies  the  bunch,  for  if  that  is  lost,  the  fruit  will 
be  of  little  value. 

"  Every  one  of  penetration  and  discernment,"  Nicol  ob- 
serves, "  will  admit  the  utility  of  thinning  the  berries  on 
bunches  of  Grapes,  in  order  that  they  may  have  room  to 
swell  fully ;  and,  farther,  that  of  supporting  the  shoulders  of 
such  clusters  of  the  large  growing  kinds  as  hang  loosely, 
and  require  to  be  suspended  to  the  trellis  or  branches,  in 
order  to  prevent  the  bad  effects  of  damp  or  mouldiness  in 
very  moist  seasons.  Of  these,  the  Hamburgh,  Lombardy, 
Royal  Muscadine,  Raisin,  St.  Peter's,  Syrian,  Tokay,  and 
others,  should  have  their  shoulders  suspended  to  the  trellis, 
or  to  the  branches,  by  strands  of  fresh  matting,  when  the 
berries  are  about  the  size  of  garden  peas.  At  the  same  time, 
the  clusters  should  be  regularly  thinned  out  with  narrow 
pointed  scissors,  to  the  extent  of  from  a  fourth  to  a  third 
part  of  the  berries.  The  other  close-growing  kinds,  as  the 
Frontignacs,  Muscats,  &c.,  should  likewise  be  moderately 
thinned,  observing  to  thin  out  the  small  seedless  berries  only 
of  the  Muscadine,  Sweet  Water,  and  flame-coloured  Tokay. 
In  this  manner,  handsome  bunches  and  full-swelled  berries 
may  be  obtained ;  but  more  so,  if  the  clusters  or  over-bur- 
dened plants  be  also  moderately  thinned  away.  Indeed, 
cutting  off  the  clusters,  to  a  certain  extent,  of  plants  over- 
loaded, and  pushing  weak  wood,  are  the  only  means  by  which 
to  cause  them  to  produce  shoots  fit  to  bear  fruit  next  year ; 
and  this  should  be  duly  attended  to,  so  long  as  the  future 
welfare  of  the  plants  is  a  matter  of  importance." 

The  preceding  observations  may  be  considered  as  fallin-g 
short  of  what  may  be  expected  on  the  cultivation  of  so  im- 
portant a  fruit  as  the  Grape ;  but  it  is  introduced  into  thia 


88  MULBEKRr. 

book  only  as  a  dessert  fruit.  The  modes  of  training  in 
vineyards  and  vineries  are  alike  suited  to  the  garden.  Low 
training  may  be  practised  in  borders  or  hedge  rows,  in  large 
gardens ;  and  high  training  in  sheltered  situations,  on  high 
trellises  or  arbours.  By  proper  management,  the  vine  may 
be  elevated  to  the  middle  story  of  a  house  by  a  single  stem, 
and  afterwards  trained  to  a  great  height  according  to  the 
taste  of  the  proprietor.  As  the  vine  is  often  trained  near 
buildings,  an  awning  may  be  conveniently  formed  over  the 
tops  so  as  to  admit  of  fumigating  the  vine  with  smoke  from 
tobacco,  &c.,  as  may  be  necessary  in  the  summer  season ; 
or  a  sort  of  movable  tent  may  be  made  of  light  boards,  and 
cheap  glazed  linen,  or  an  old  sail,  &c.,  capable  of  covering 
the  vine  while  a  smoke  is  created  underneath ;  this  will 
effectually  destroy  such  insects  as  may  annoy  the  vine,  and 
may  prevent  mildew  and  other  diseases. 


MULBERRY. 
MURIER.    Moms. 

THERE  are  several  species  of  the  Morus  or  Mulberry. 
The  white  kind  is  commonly  cultivated  for  its  leaves  to  feed 
silkworms,  though  in  some  parts  of  Spain,  and  in  Persia, 
they  are  said  to  prefer  the  Black  Mulberry.  In  China,  it 
appears  that  both  sorts  are  grown  for  this  purpose.  The 
most  esteemed  variety  of  the  white  is  grown  in  Italy,  and 
especially  in  Lombardy,  with  vigorous  shoots,  and  much 
larger  leaves  than  the  other.  The  Morus  multicwdis  is  cul- 
tivated in  many  parts  of  France,  and  is  by  some  preferred 
to  all  other  varieties.  It  is  said  that  a  less  quantity  of  foliage 
from  this  variety  will  satisfy  the  silkworms.  The  late  An- 
drew Parmentier,  Esq.,  was  the  means  of  introducing  seve- 
ral choice  varieties  from  that  country ;  and  our  nurserymen 
in  general,  have  of  late  years,  turned  their  attention  to  the 


MULBERRY.  89 

cultivation  of  such  as  are  best  adapted  to  silkworms,  which 
are  sold  at  moderate  prices. 

In  Fiance,  the  white  Mulberry  is  grown  as  pollard  Elms 
are  in  England.  In  Lombardy,  it  is  grown  in  low,  marshy 
ground.  In  China,  it  is  also  grown  in  moist,  loamy  soil, 
and  both  there  and  in  the  East  Indies,  as  low  bushes,  and 
the  plantations  rooted  up  and  renewed  every  three  or  four 
years.  In  many  parts,  when  the  leaves  are  wanted  for  the 
worms,  they  are  stripped  off  the  young  shoots,  which  are 
left  naked  on  the  tree ;  in  other  places,  the  shoots  are  cut 
off,  which  is  not  so  injurious  to  the  tree,  while  the  points  oi 
the  shoots,  as  well  as  the  leaves,  are  eaten  by  the  worms. 

The  plants  are  sometimes  raised  from  seed,  and  one  ounce 
of  seed  will  produce  five  thousand  trees,  if  sown  in  nch 
loamy  soil  in  the  latter  end  of  April,  or  early  in  May ;  but 
the  young  plants  will  require  protection  the  first  winter ;  they 
are  more  commonly  propagated  by  layers  and  cuttings,  put 
down  in  the  spring.  The  Italian  variety  is  frequently  grafted 
on  seedling  stocks  of  the  common  sort,  in  order  to  preserve 
it  from  degenerating.  In  the  East  Indies,  the  plants  are 
raised  from  cuttings,  three  or  four  of  which  are  placed 
together  where  they  are  finally  to  remain. 

But  Mulberry  trees  are  valuable  for  their  fruit ;  and  in 
England  the  black  and  red  kinds  are  in  great  esteem,  and 
much  cultivated.  The  fruit  of  the  white  Mulberry  is  white, 
and  less  acid  than  that  of  the  black  species.  The  black  is 
naturally  a  stronger  tree  than  the  other;  the  fruit  is  of  a 
dark,  blackish  red,  and  of  an  agreeable  aromatic  and  acid 
flavour.  The  red  Mulberry  has  black  shoots,  rougher  leaves 
than  the  black  Mulberry,  and  a  dark,  reddish  fruit,  longer 
than  the  common  sort,  and  of  a  very  pleasant  taste.  The 
fruit  of  the  yellow  Mulberry  is  very  sweet  and  wholesome, 
but  not  much  eaten,  excepting  by  birds ;  the  timber,  how- 
ever, is  valuable,  from  its  abounding  in  a  slightly  glutinous 
milk  of  a  sulphurous  colour,  and  is  known  in  Europe  under 
the  name  of  fustic  wood,  for  dying  a  yellow  colour. 

8* 


90  MULBERRY. 

In  Russia,  the  fruit  of  the  JVforas  lartarica  is  eaten  fresh, 
conserved,  or  dried  ;  a  wine  and  a  spirit  are  also  made  from 
them,  but  the  berries  are  said  to  be  of  an  insipid  taste. 

All  the  species  of  the  Morus  are  remarkable  for  putting 
out  their  leaves  late,  so  that  when  they  appear,  gardeners 
may  safely  set  out  their  green-house  plants,  taking  it  for 
granted  that  all  danger  from  frost  is  over;  from  this  circum- 
stance, plantations  of  Mulberry  trees  may  be  made  in  this 
country  in  the  spring  of  the  year  with  greater  safety. 

The  Mulberry  produces  its  fruit  chiefly  on  little  shoots  of 
the  same  year,  which  arise  on  last  year's  wood  and  on  spurs 
from  the  two-year-old  wood  ;  in  both  stages,  mostly  at  the 
ends  of  the  shoots  and  the  branches.  In  pruning,  thin  out 
irregular  crossing  branches,  but  never  shorten  the  young 
wood,  on  which  fruit  is  produced.  If  any  of  the  dwarfish 
kinds  are  cultivated  as  espaliers  for  their  fruits,  cut  so  as  to 
bring  in  a  partial  succession  of  new  wood  every  year,  and 
a  complete  succession  once  in  two  years,  taking  the  old  bar- 
ren wood  out,  as  may  be  necessary.  As  the  blossom  buds 
cannot  be  readily  distinguished  from  others  in  the  winter, 
the  best  period  for  pruning  is  when  the  blossoms  first  become 
visible  in  the  spring. 

There  is  another  genus  of  plants,  known  as  the  Paper 
Mulberry,  which  is  very  ornamental,  called  Broussonetia 
papyrifera;  though  a  low  tree,  it  has  vigorous  shoots,  fur- 
nished with  two  large  leaves  ;  the  fruit,  which  is  small,  is 
surrounded  with  long  purple  hairs,  changing  to  a  black  pur- 
ple colour  when  ripe,  and  full  of  juice.  "In  China  and 
Japan,  it  is  cultivated  for  the  sake  of  the  young  shoots,  from 
the  bark  of  which  the  inhabitants  of  the  Eastern  countries 
make  paper.  The  bark  being  separated  from  the  wood,  is 
steeped  in  water,  the  former  making  the  whitest  and  best 
paper.  The  bark  is  next  slowly  boiled,  then  washed,  and 
afterward  put  upon  a  wooden  table,  and  beat  into  a  pulp. 
This  pulp  being  put  in  water,  separates  like  grains  of  meal. 
An  infusion  of  nee,  and  the  root  of  manhiot,  are  next  added 


NECTARINE.  91 

to  it.  From  the  liquor  so  prepared,  the  sheets  of  paper  are 
poured  out  one  by  one,  and  when  pressed  the  operation  is 
finished." 

"  The  juice  of  this  tree  is  sufficiently  tenacious  to  be  used 
in  China  as  a  glue,  in  gilding  either  leather  or  paper.  The 
finest  and  whitest  cloth  worn  by  the  principal  people  at 
Otaheite,  and  in  the  Sandwich  Islands,  is  made  of  the  bark 
of  this  tree.  The  cloth  of  the  Bread  Fruit  tree  is  infeiior 
in  whiteness  and  softness,  and  worn  chiefly  by  the  common 
people." 


NECTARINE. 
PECHERA  FRUIT  LISSE,  ou  BROGNONS.     Jlmygdalus  nectarina. 

THE  varieties  of  this  fruit  resemble  the  Peach  in  every 
respect,  except  that  the  skin  is  peifectly  smooth,  of  a  waxen 
appearance,  and  the  flesh  generally  more  firm ;  although  of 
the  same  genus  as  the  Peach,  which  is  so  plentiful  in  this 
country,  the  fruit  of  the  Nectarine  is  quite  a  rarity,  and  sel- 
dom appears  in  our  markets.  There  are  seventy-two  varie- 
ties cultivated  in  the  Horticultural  Garden  of  London  under 
name. 

It  is  generally  allowed  that  their  failure  here  is  occasioned 
by  the  attacks  of  insects.  The  most  efficacious  method  that 
I  have  heard  of  for  securing  any  thing  like  a  crop  of  Nec- 
tarines, is  to  fumigate  the  trees  in  the  evening,  when  the  air 
is  calm  and  serene,  at  the  season  when  the  fruit  is  ready  to 
set.  Tobacco  is  the  most  effectual  antidote  for  these  insects  ; 
but  a  friend  of  mine  collected  a  quantity  of  salt  hay  that 
had  been  used  for  his  Spinach  the  preceding  winter ;  with 
this  he  created  a  smoke,  first  on  one  side  of  his  plantation, 
and  afterward  on  the  other,  by  which  means  he  obtained  a 
good  supply  of  fruit.  Our  enterprising  horticulturist,  Mr. 
W.  Shaw,  has  succeeded  in  gathering  fine  fruit,  by  pursuing 
the  English  plan,  namely,  in  training  his  trees  against  a  close 


92  NECTARINE. 

fence ;  and  it  has  been  discovered  by  others,  that  the  Nec- 
tarine, like  the  Grape  vine  will  yield  best  in  sheltered  situ- 
ations. That  eminent  horticulturist,  Mr.  David  Thomas, 
observes,  that  "A  vast  quantity  of  fruit  is  annually  destroyed 
by  the  Curculio,  which  causes  the  Plum,  Apricot,  and  Nec- 
tarine prematurely  to  drop  from  the  tree.  To  prevent  this 
loss,  let  the  tree,  after  the  blossoms  fall,  be  frequently  shaken 
by  a  cord  connected  with  a  swinging  door,  or  with  a  work- 
ing pump-handle,  &c. ;  or  let  the  bugs  be  jarred  from  the 
tree  and  killed.  Or  keep  geese  enough  in  the  fruit  garden 
to  devour  all  the  damaged  fruit  as  it  falls.  We  know  that 
this  last  method  is  infallible.'' 

As  some  may  object  to  shaking  or  jarring  fruit  trees,  for 
fear  of  disturbing  the  fruit,  such  are  here  reminded,  that  if 
the  blossoms  set  more  fruit  than  can  be  supported,  it  will  not 
come  to  full  perfection,  and  the  trees  may  be  injured  in  theii 
future  bearing ;  for  these  reasons,  when  fruit  sets  too  thick, 
it  should  be  thinned  in  an  early  stage  of  its  growth. 

The  Nectarine,  as  also  the  Peach  tree,  is  subject  to  injury 
by  an  insect  different  from  the  Curculio  species,  which  feeds 
on  the  sap  beneath  the  bark,  principally  near  the  surface  of 
the  earth ;  but  if  not  checked,  will  commit  ravages  on  the 
trunk  and  root,  so  as  eventually  to  destioy  the  tree.  The 
eg£  is  supposed  to  be  first  deposited  in  the  upper  part  of  the 
tree  ;  and  in  the  months  of  June  and  July,  it  becomes  a  very 
small  maggot,  which  drops  to  the  ground,  and  approaches  the 
tree  near  the  surface.  If  the  ground  be  kept  clear  around 
the  roots,  as  it  ought  always  to  be,  the  worm  can  readily  be 
detected  by  a  small  speck  of  gum,  which  appears  on  the  tree 
after  it  has  made  its  entrance,  which  gummiriess  will  increase 
in  quantity  as  it  progresses  ;  but  if  the  trees  are  thoroughly 
examined  about  once  a  week  or  ten  days,  and  the  gum, 
wherever  found,  removed  by  means  of  a  small  knife  or 
pointed  wire,  the  worm  may  be  at  once  defeated  from  mak- 
ing any  havoc  on  the  trees.  An  orchard  of  several  acres 
may  be  kept  free  from  worms  by  going  over  it  a  few  times. 


NECTARINE.  93 

After  a  shower  of  rain  is  a  good  time,  as  the  gum  can  then  be 
more  easily  discovered ;  and  when  it  is  removed,  the  wound 
will  soon  heal  up,  and  the  danger  is  over,  provided  the  ground 
be  kept  cultivated  around  the  trees,  and  the  collar,  or  that 
part  from  which  emanate  the  main  roots,  be  near  the  surface. 

This  is  an  important  precaution,  and  should  be  attended 
to  at  the  time  of  transplanting  all  descriptions  of  trees  and 
smaller  plants  ;  because  deep  planting  prevents  the  essential 
circulation  of  the  juices  of  plants  in  their  regular  and  natural 
courses,  and,  consequently,  causes  disease  and  premature 
death  ;  and  it  must  be  admitted,  that  from  the  circumstance 
of  this  fruit  being  generally  raised  on  standard  trees,  and  in 
a  light  soil,  our  cultivators  are  apt  to  plant  too  deep ;  and 
thus  act  contrary  to  sound  judgment  and  philosophy,  with  a 
view  to  save  the  trouble  and  expense  of  staking  or  otherwise 
supporting  their  newly-planted  trees,  which  precaution  is 
absolutely  necessary  to  their  preservation,  even  in  less  tem- 
pestuous climates,  and  in  stiff  as  well  as  in  light  soil. 

Saltpetre  dissolved  in  the  proportion  of  one  pound  to  five 
gallons  of  water,  and  applied  round  the  stems  and  roots  of 
trees,  as  recommended  for  plants  in  general,  is,  in  my  opin- 
ion, one  of  the  best  remedies  for  the  destruction  of  various 
kinds  of  insects  ;  it  is,  moreover,  allowed  by  modern  and 
learned  physiologists  to  contain  the  most  essential  nutriment 
to  all  descriptions  of  trees  or  smaller  plants,  when  judiciously 
used.  Other  remedies  are  recommended  to  be  applied  for 
the  destruction  of  these  insects  around  fruit  trees,  besides 
those  previously  mentioned ;  as,  dissolved  potash,  coal  tar,  sul 
phur  and  lime-mortar  mixed,  vinegar,  soapsuds,  &c.  Culture, 
upon  correct  principles,  will,  however,  in  general  operate 
not  only  as  a  radical  cure,  but  as  a  preventive  to  all  defects 
in  trees  and  plants ;  which,  to  be  healthy  and  productive, 
should  be  so  managed  that  the  sap  and  nutrimental  juices 
can  circulate  through  every  pore  which  nature  has  designed 
for  their  perpetuity.  (See  article  on  the  choice  of  Fruit 
Trees  in  the  Nursery ;  also,  article  Peach.) 


94  DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OF    NECTARINES. 

The  Nectarine  is  generally  budded  on  stocks  of  the  same 
species,  or  on  the  Peach  or  Plum,  two  or  three  years  old. 
Knight  recommends  growing  Almond  stocks  for  the  finer 
kinds  of  Nectarines  and  Apricots,  as  likely  to  prevent  the 
mildew,  and  as  being  allied  to  the  Peach.  Dubreuil  recom- 
mends a  Plum  stock  for  clayey  soils,  and  the  Almond  for 
such  as  are  light,  chalky,  or  sandy.  The  same  opinion  is 
held  by  the  Montreal  gardeners.  The  Flemish  nurserymen 
graft  both  the  Peach  and  Nectarine  on  the  Myrabella  Plum, 
a  very  small  cherry-shaped  fruit. 

The  budding  may  be  performed  in  July  or  August,  in  the 
side  of  the  stock,  which  will,  if  properly  managed,  shoot  the 
following  spring,  and  attain  the  length  of  three  or  four  feet 
the  first  year.  After  the  budded  trees  have  ripened  their 
first  year's  shoots,  they  may  either  be  planted  where  they  are 
to  remain,  or  retained  in  the  nursery  for  two,  three,  or  four 
years,  till  in  a  bearing  state.  Whether  the  plants  be  removed 
into  the  orchard  at  a  year  old,  or  remain  in  the  nursery,  the 
first  shoots  from  the  bud  must  be  headed  down  in  a  judicious 
manner,  in  order  to  promote  the  most  desirable  form.  In 
annual  pruning,  thin  out  superfluous  branches  and  dry  wood, 
and  shorten  the  bearing  shoots. 

Nectarines  may  be  trained  to  a  close  fence,  or  wall,  hi 
private  gardens ;  in  which  case,  such  plants  should  be  chosen 
as  are  budded  low.  (See  article  Apricot.) 


SELECT  DESCRIPTIVE   LIST  OF  NECTARINES 

FREESTONE    NECTARINES. 

AROMATIC-  A  middle  sized,  rather  globular  fruit,  skin  pale  straw  colour 
with  deep  red  or  brown  next  the  sun  ;  flesh  pale  straw,  but  red  at  the 
stone  ;  juice  of  a  rich  vinous  flavour ;  ripe  early  in  August. 

BOSTON,  Lewis1  s  Seedling.  A  fine  native  variety,  raised  by  Mr.  Lewis, 
of  Boston ;  fruit  of  medium  size;  heart-shaped;  colour  bright  yellow, 
mottled  with  red  ;  flesh  yellow,  firm,  pleasant  and  peculiar  in  flavour ;  ripe 
in  September. 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OF    NECTARINES.  96 

ELRUCE,  Claremont,  Temple's,  Vermash  of  some  collections.  One  of  the 
Tory  best  and  most  high  flavoured  Nectarines ;  fruit  medium  size,  of  a  green 
or  pale  yellow  colour,  with  violet  cheek  ;  pulp  whitish,  melting,  very 
jiicy,  rich  and  high  flavoured;  ripens  early  in  August. 

FAIRCHII.D'S  EARLY.  Fruit  very  early,  but  small;  of  globular  shape, 
yellow  in  the  shade,  deep  scarlet  next  the  sun  ;  flesh  yellow,  not  juicy,  but 
well  flavoured  ;  ripe  in  July  and  August. 

PERKINS'S  SEKDI.ING.  A  very  large  beautiful  Nectarine,  raised  by  S.  G. 
Perkins,  from  the  Boston,  Lewis's  Seedling;  the  form  is  globular;  colour 
bright  yellow,  with  dark  crimson  on  one  side ;  flesh  tender,  juicy  and  high 
flavoured  ;  ripe  in  September. 

PITHASTON'S  ORANGE.  A  good  sized  globular,  almost  heart-shaped 
fruit,  of  a  rich  yellow  colour,  but  dark  crimson  or  purple  next  the  sun  ; 
flesh  golden  yellow,  but  red  next  the  stone,  from  which  it  separates  ;  it  is 
melting,  juicy,  saccharine  and  high  flavoured  ;  ripe  in  August 

SCARLET.  A  middle  sized  fruit,  somewhat  ovate,  of  a  beautiful  scarlet 
colour  next  the  sun,  and  pale  red  on  the  shaded  side ;  the  flesh  separates 
from  the  stone,  and  is  at  maturity  in  August. 

VERMASH.  True  Vermask.  This  fruit  is  rather  of  small  size,  and  round- 
ish form,  tapering  towards  the  eye;  the  skin  is  of  a  very  deep  red  colour 
next  the  sun  ;  and  of  a  greenish  hue  on  the  other  side;  flesh  white,  rich 
melting  and  juicy;  at  maturity  in  August. 

VIOLET,  Violette  Hative,  Petite  Violette  Hative,  Lord  Selsey's  Elrugc, 
Large  Scarlet.  Fruit  variable  in  size,  generally  medium ;  pale  yellowish 
green,  but  darkish  purple  and  red  next  the  sun  ;  flesh  melting,  juicy,  rich 
and  excellent;  ripe  in  July  and  August. 

WHITE,  ox  FLANDKRS  NECTARINE,  New  White,  Emerson's  New  White, 
Neate's  White.  A  middle  sized,  roundish,  very  pale  fruit,  slightly  tinged 
with  red  next  the  sun;  flesh  tender  and  juicy,  with  a  fine  vinous  flavour; 
ripe  in  August 

CLINGSTONES,    OR    PAVIES. 

BRUGNON  VIOLET  MUSQUE,  Brugnon  Musque.  Fruit  large,  of  a  deep 
red  and  yellow  colour ;  skin  very  smooth ;  flesh  yellow,  but  red  at  the 
stone ;  saccharine,  vinous,  musky  ;  at  maturity  in  August  and  September. 

EARLY  NEWINGTON,  Large  Black  Newington,  Lucomhe's  Seedling. 
Fruit  below  the  middle  size,  ovate  ;  skin  pale  green,  and  on  the  sunny  side 
of  a  deep  red  colour;  pulp  super-excellent ;  considered  by  some  as  the 
best  of  all  Nectarines;  ripe  in  August  and  September. 

GOLDEN.  Fruit  medium  size,  of  the  finest  orange  colour,  delicately  and 
beautifully  mottled  with  re«i  next  the  sun,  which  gives  to  it  a  clear  waxen 
appearance  ;  flesh  firm,  yellow,  pale  red  at  the  stone,  and  has  a  poignant, 
rich  flavour  ;  ripens  in  August  and  September. 

RED  ROMAN,  Roman  Red.  A  very  excellent  Nectarine,  of  large  size; 
the  skin  dark  red  next  the  sun.  and  of  a  yellowish  hue  on  the  other  side ; 
flesh  yellowish,  but  red  next  the  stone  ;  it  abounds  with  rich  juice  when 
fully  ripe,  in  August  and  September. 

SCARLET  NEWINGTON,  Late  Newingfon,  Sion  Hill.  This  variety  it 
much  esteemed ,  the  fruit  is  large,  of  a  beautiful  red  colour  next  the  sun,  and 


96  ORANGE,    LEMON,    ETC. 

of  a  fine  yellow  or  amber  on  the  other  side  j  its  quality  is  excellent 
rich  and  juicy  ;  early  in  September. 

TAWNY  NZWIHGTON-  Fruit  large,  somewhat  ovate  ;  tawny-coloured, 
marbled  with  dull  red  or  orange  next  the  sun  ;  flesh  pale  yellow,  but  rtd 
at  the  stone;  very  juicy,  sugary,  and  of  the  most  delicious  flavour;  ripens 
in  August  and  September.  This,  in  England,  is  considered  one  of  the  best 
of  clingstone  Nectarines. 


ORANGE,  LEMON,  &c. 
GRANGER,  CITRONIER,  ETC.     Citrus. 

NOTWITHSTANDING  this  fruit,  and  also  the  Lemon,  Lime, 
&c.,  are  attainable  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  by  supplies 
from  our  Southern  States,  the  West  Indies,  and  the  South 
of  Europe,  yet  the  plants  are  entitled  to  our  notice  on  ac- 
count of  their  being  so  easily  cultivated,  and  from  their 
affording  an  ornament  by  exhibiting  their  fruit  the  whole  of 
the  year. 

The  Orange,  as  well  as  others  of  the  same  genus,  are 
generally  cultivated  as  green-house  plants,  but  may  be  kept 
in  a  light  room  throughout  our  severe  winters,  provided  the 
temperature  is  not  suffered  to  be  below  the  freezing  point, 
32  degrees.  Its  recommendations  are,  handsome  evergreen, 
shining,  tree-like  form ;  most  odoriferous  flowers,  and  bril- 
liant, fragrant,  and  delicious  fruits,  which  succeed  each  other 
perpetually,  and  are  not  unfrequently  seen  on  the  tree  at 
the  same  time,  in  two  or  three  stages  of  growth.  A  work 
has  recently  been  published  at  Paris,  edited  by  Messrs. 
Risso  and  Poiteau,  which  contains  engravings  and  descrip- 
tions of  one  hundred  and  sixty-nine  varieties.  They  are 
arranged  as  sweet  Oranges,  of  which  they  describe  42  sorts  ; 
bitter  and  sour  Oranges,  32  sorts;  Bergamots,  6  sorts; 
Limes,  8  sorts ;  Shaddocks,  6  sorts ;  Lumes,  12  sorts ;  Le- 
mons, 46  sorts ;  Citrons,  17  sorts. 

All  the  species  of  Citrus  endure  the  open  air  at  Nice, 
Genoa,  and  Naples ;  but  at  Florence  and  Milan,  and  often 


ORANGE,  LEMON,  ETC.  97 

at  Rome,  they  require  protection  during  the  winter,  and  are 
generally  planted  in  conservatories  and  sheds.  In  England, 
these  trees  have  been  cultivated  since  1620 ;  they  are  gene- 
rally planted  in  conservatories.  Loudon  says  that  in  the 
south  of  Devonshire,  and  particularly  at  Saltcombe,  may  be 
seen,  in  a  few  gardens,  Orange  trees  that  have  withstood  the 
winter  in  the  open  air  upward  of  a  hundred  years.  The 
fruit  is  as  large  and  fine  as  any  from  Portugal.  Trees  raised 
from  seed,  and  inoculated  on  the  spot,  are  found  to  bear  the 
cold  better  than  trees  imported. 

At  Nuneham,  near  Oxford,  are  some  fine  old  trees,  plant- 
ed under  a  movable  case,  sheltered  by  a  north  wall.  In 
summer,  the  case  is  removed,  and  the  ground  turfed  over,  so 
that  the  whole  resembles  a  native  Orange  grove.  The  au- 
thor of  this  work,  being  a  native  of  Abingdon,  which  ia 
within  three  miles  of  the  Earl  of  Harcourt's  estate,  has  had 
frequent  opportunities  of  tasting  the  fruit,  which  he  believes 
to  be  equal  to  that  of  warmer  climates.  At  Woodhall,  near 
Hamilton,  trees  of  all  the  species  of  Citrus  are  trained  against 
the  back  walls  of  forcing-houses,  and  produce  large  crops  of 
fruit. 

Any  of  the  varieties  of  the  Orange,  Lemon,  Lime,  Shad- 
dock, Citron,  &c.,  may  be  grafted  or  budded  on  stocks  of  the 
common  Orange  or  Lemon ;  but  the  seed  of  Shaddocks  and 
Citrons  produce  the  strongest  stocks ;  and  on  these  may  be 
grafted  such  kinds  as  may  be  needed  for  a  conservatory. 
The  most  suitable  time  for  budding  is  July  and  August;  but 
this  operation  may  be  performed  at  any  time  when  the  sap 
is  in  motion.  The  directions  for  the  management  of  green, 
house  plants,  apply  also  to  this  family  of  plants,  to  which  I 
refer  my  readers.  A  friend  of  mine,  who  is  a  native  of 
Rouen,  in  Normandy,  informs  me,  that  a  Mr.  Valee,  of  that 
city,  succeeds  in  clearing  about  twelve  thousand  francs  per 
annum  from  the  flowers  of  Orange  trees,  which  are  distilled 
for  essences,  &c. 


98  PEACH. 

PEACH. 
PECHER.     Jlmygdahis  Persica. 

IT  is  generally  considered  that  the  Peach  is  of  Persian 
origin.  In  Media,  it  is  deemed  unwholesome ;  but  when 
planted  in  Egypt,  becomes  pulpy,  delicious,  and  salubrious. 
It  has  been  cultivated,  time  immemorial,  in  most  parts  of 
Asia;  when  it  was  introduced  into  Greece,  is  uncertain.  The 
best  Peaches  in  Europe  are  supposed  to  be  grown  in  Italy, 
on  standards. 

The  list  of  Peaches  in  the  London  Catalogue,  contains 
about  two  hundred  and  fifty-names,  fifty  of  which  are  deno- 
minated American  Peaches.  Several  attempts  have  been 
made  to  class  the  varieties  of  Peaches  and  Nectarines  by  the 
leaf  and  flower,  as  well  as  the  fruit.  Mr.  Robertson,  a  nur- 
seryman at  Kilkenny,  has  founded  his  arrangement  on  the 
glands  of  the  leaves ;  and  Mr.  George  Lindley,  of  London, 
has,  in  a  peculiarly  distinct  manner,  arranged  no  fewer  than 
one  hundred  and  fifty-five  sorts  of  Peaches  and  Nectarines 
in  well-defined  divisions  and  sections.  There  are  various 
instances  on  record,  (Hort.  Trans,  vol.  i-  p.  103,)  of  both 
fruits  growing  on  the  same  tree,  even  on  the  same  branch ; 
and  one  case  has  occurred  of  a  single  fruit  partaking  of  the 
nature  of  both.  The  French  consider  them  as  one  fruit, 
arranging  them  in  four  divisions ;  the  Pcches,  or  freestone 
Peaches  ;  the  Peches  lisses,  or  freestone  Nectarines,  or  free- 
stone Peaches ;  the  Pavies,  or  clingstone  Peaches ;  and  the 
Brognons,  or  Nectarines,  or  clingstone  smooth  Peaches. 

Although  this  fruit  will  thrive  in  any  sweet,  pulverized 
soil  that  is  properly  prepared,  a  rich  sandy  loam  is  the  most 
suitable.  Next  to  the  selection  and  preparation  of  a  suitable 
soil,  a  choice  of  good  healthy  trees  is  of  the  utmost  import 
ance.  The  seed  for  stocks  should  be  selected  from  the 
vigorous  growing  young,  or  middle-aged  healthy  trees ;  and 
the  buds  should  be  taken  from  some  of  the  choicest  fruit- 


PEACH.  99 

bearing  trees  that  can  be  found.  Let  the  stocks  be  fairly 
tested  before  they  are  budded,  and  if  any  infection  exist  in 
the  stocks,  or  in  the  vicinity  of  where  the  choice  of  buds 
may  fall,  reject  them  if  you  wish  to  rear  a  healthy  progeny; 
as  more  depends  upon  these  particular  points  than  many  are 
aware  of. 

In  this  country,  the  Peach  is  generally  budded  on  stocks 
of  its  own  kind ;  but  in  England  it  is  often  budded  on 
damask  Plum  stocks,  and  some  of  the  more  delicate  sorts 
on  Apricot  stocks,  or  old  Apricot  trees  cut  down ;  or  on 
seedling  Peaches,  Almonds,  or  Nectarines.  (See  article 
Nectarine.)  Cobbett  says,  "  There  are  thousands  of  Peach 
trees  in  England  and  France  that  are  fifty  years  old,  and 
that  are  still  in  vigorous  fruitful  ness."  He  attributes  the 
swift  decay  of  the  Peach  tree  here  to  their  being  grafted  on 
stocks  of  their  kind. 

Mr.  Michael  Floy,  of  the  Harlaem  Nursery,  in  a  note, 
page  364  of  the  American  edition  of  Lindley's  Guide  to  the 
Orchard  and  Fruit  Garden,  edited  by  him,  makes  the  follow- 
ing observations  on  this  subject,  which  he  says  are  the  result 
of  thirty  years'  experience  as  a  nurseryman  in  the  vicinity 
of  New- York : 

"  In  this  country  Peaches  are  generally  budded  on  Peach 
stocks.  Their  growth  is  very  rapid,  and  they  will  form  a 
tree  large  enough  to  transplant  from  the  nursery,  the  first 
and  second  year  after  budding ;  but  notwithstanding  the 
rapid  growth  of  our  Peaches,  and  their  coming  to  maturity 
so  early,  with  but  litile  care  and  trouble,  it  must  at  the.  same 
time  be  admitted  that  they  too  often  come  to  decay  with 
almost  the  same  celerity.  A  question  here  will  naturally 
arise  on  this  subject,  what  can  be  done  to  remedy  this  ?  I 
answer,  first,  I  think  the  Peach  stock  is  defective ;  it  is  not 
sufficiently  strong  and  lasting  to  make  a  permanent  tree ; 
the  roots  are  soft  and  delicate,  very  liable  to  rot  in  cold 
heavy  ground,  particularly  if  suffered  to  stand  in  a  sod,  or 
where  the  ground  is  not  kept  clean,  dry,  and  manured  every 


100  PEACH. 

season.  Secondly.  Supposing  that  the  trees  are  planted  in 
a  warm  free  soil,  (which  is  the  proper  soil  for  the  Peach,) 
they  are  liable  to  the  attacks  of  the  worm,  which  eats  into 
their  roots,  and  barks  the  trees  all  round,  until  they  com- 
pletely destroy  them.  No  better  method  of  destroying  these 
worms  has  been  discovered,  than  simply  digging  round  the 
trees,  and  examining  the  infested  plants,  and  where  gum  is 
seen  oozing  out,  there  the  worm  may  be  generally  found  and 
destroyed. 

"  I  think  an  effectual  remedy  against  this  intruder  may  be 
found,  by  budding  Peaches  and  Nectarines  on  the  common 
bitter  ALMOND  STOCK.  The  worm  does  not  like  this  stock. 
Peaches  will  take  on  it,  and  grow  nearly  as  free  as  on  the 
common  Peach  stock.  Thirdly.  The  Peach  stock  causes 
the  Peaches  and  Nectarines  to  grow  too  rapidly,  making 
very  strong  shoots,  these  producing  secondary  or  lateral 
shoots ;  and  the  fruit  of  the  following  summer  is  produced 
on  the  top  of  these  lateral  shoots,  instead  of  being  produced 
on  the  principal  or  first  shoots ;  this  causes  naked  wood  at 
the  bottom,  and  a  straggling,  unsightly  tree,  whose  branches 
being  heavy  at  the  top  with  the  fruit,  are  broken  down  by 
high  winds.  Fourthly.  In  addition  to  all  this,  the  trees  are 
of  late  years  subject  to  what  has  been  deemed  a  disease 
called  the  yellows,  from  the  circumstance  of  the  trees  having 
a  yellow  and  sickly  appearance.  Much  curious  philosophy 
has  been  spent  on  this  subject  without  arriving  at  any  satis* 
factory  conclusion." 

Mr.  Floy,  after  discovering  that  the  Almond  stock  is 
susceptible  of  injury  from  our  Northern  winters  in  extreme 
cold  weather,  farther  recommends  the  Plum  stock  in  cold 
latitudes,  and  the  Almond  for  our  Southern  States.  Hear 
him: 

"The  Plum  stock  is  undoubtedly  the  best  for  Peaches 
and  Nectarines  in  the  Northern  and  Eastern  States,  but 
especially  for  open  dwarfs  or  espaliers,  for  which  I  give  the 
following  reasons :  First.  The  Plum  stock  prevents  the 


PEACH.  101 

too  rapid  growth  of  the  shoots,  and  causes  the  principals  to 
bear  the  fruit  the  following  season,  instead  of  producing 
lateral  shoots  the  same  season,  and  causing  the  tree  to  be 
more  dwarf;  the  branches  strong  and  fruitful  to  the  bottom 
of  the  shoot,  thereby  having  more  fruit  in  a  smaller  compass. 
Secondly.  It  makes  harder  and  less  pithy  wood,  and  enables 
it  the  better  to  withstand  the  cold ;  and  this  may  be  easily 
proved  by  cutting  the  branches  of  each :  the  shoot  on  the 
Plum  stock  will  be  twice  as  hard  and  firm  as  the  one  on  the 
Peach  stock ;  but,  Thirdly,  and  the  most  important  reason 
is,  that  the  Plum  ceases  to  send  up  its  sap  early  in  autumn, 
causing  the  Peach  to  perfect  its  wood  befoijs ,tfiB  cold  weaihetf 
sets  in." 

As  the  failure  of  this  fruit  of  lane  %ypa,rc  has  eJjcitsc}  a$n^ 
siderable  discussion  and  observation,  which  increases  in 
interest  annually,  I  will  offer  an  exposition  of  my  views  on 
the  subject,  by  a  comparison  between  vegetable  and  animal 
matter,  which  I  humbly  conceive  bear  a  striking  analogy  to 
each  other.  If  the  reader  should  deem  my  arguments  vision- 
ary, or  speculative,  I  would  remind  him  that  the  grave  im- 
portance of  the  subject  fully  justifies  this  or  any  othei 
attempt  at  elucidation. 

Having,  in  article  Nectarine,  shown  the  error  of  deep 
planting  all  descriptions  of  trees  and  plants,  I  would  here 
observe,  that  a  tree  brought  into  a  state  of  disease,  by  which 
the  circulation  of  its  nutrimental  juices  is  impeded,  and  its 
bark  injured,  is  very  similarly  situated  to  a  timber  post  in- 
serted in  the  soil ;  which  every  one  knows  will  rot  between 
earth  and  air,  however  sound  its  other  parts  may  be. 

In  venturing  a  comparison  between  vegetable  and  animal 
matter,  I  would  first  refer  the  reader  to  article  Chestnut, 
where  I  have  shown  that  a  chestnut  tree  has  been  known  to 
live  over  a  thousand  years ;  and  that  its  timber,  cut  in  proper 
season,  is  supposed  to  be  in  durability  commensurate  with 
the  age  of  the  growing  tree.  It  is  also  recorded  in  history, 
that  animal  subjects  preserved  on  the  Egyptian  principle, 

9* 


102  PEACH. 

have  been  known  to  keep  as  long  as  the  most  durable  tim- 
ber; while  daily  experience  shows,  that  corrupt  animal  and 
vegetable  substances,  not  only  become  a  prey  to  the  most 
noxious  insects  and  reptiles,  but  will  generate  them  in  incal 
culable  numbers. 

It  is  also  evident,  that  a  tree  deprived  of  its  functions  or 
means  of  growing  luxuriantly,  is  in  a  similar  situation  to  a 
diseased  animal.  If  disease  be  not  checked  before  the 
juices  of  the  tree  become  putrid,  it  will  not  only  die,  but  will 
contaminate  the  earth  in  which  it  is  planted,  to  the  destruc- 
tion of  its  neighbouring  inmates  of  the  garden  or  field.  All 
experienced  nurserymen  admit  this  to  be  the  case  with  dis- 
eased Peach  trees,"  ami  s.ome  have  actually  abandoned  their 
Pe^cb *  01  cbarcb,  and  choSen  fresh  ground  for  new  planta- 
tions. * 

It  is  precisely  the  same  with  smaller  vegetable  plants.  A 
diseased  Cabbage,  for  instance,  by  its  excremental  and  cor- 
rupt juices  being  spent  in  the  ground,  will  render  the  culti- 
vation of  the  same  or  allied  species  a  casualty ;  and  daily 
observation  teacheth,  that  young  and  thrifty  plants  often 
fall  a  prey  to  worms  and  reptiles  which  were  generated  by 
a  previous  crop. 

It  is,  moreover,  evident  that  all  those  enemies  of  the  veget- 
able family  feed  on  the  same  descriptions  of  vegetable  mat- 
ter which  first  generated  them ;  hence  the  Peach  insects 
feed  on  its  fruit  in  embryo,  as  well  as  in  a  state  at,  and  even 
beyond,  perfection ;  the  Cabbage  worms  prey  on  plants  of 
the  same  genera  or  species;  and  I  have  no  doubt  but  the 
cotton  worms  prefer  the  same  description  of  vegetable  mat- 
ter which  gave  them  birth,  and  that  when  these  insects  and 
reptiles  cannot  obtain  the  parts  which  are  the  most  palatable 
to  them,  or  congenial  to  their  nature,  they  will  feed  upon 
diseased  trees,  plants,  or  any  other  matter  which  contain 
similar  juices  or  nutriment.  I  again  repeat,  that  the  best 
security  against  their  depredations  is  health  and  soundness. 
A  good  sound  healthy  tree,  planted  and  cultivated  upon  cor- 


PEACH.  103 

reel  principles,  may  be  justly  considered  as  invulnerable  to 
the  attacks  of  insects  and  reptiles,  as  any  species  of  healthy 
animal  creatuie  in  existence. 

As  I  have  been  more  familiar  with  the  cultivation  of  veget- 
ables than  fruits,  I  would  state  farther  my  views  relative  to 
the  Cabbage  tribe.  On  New- York  Island,  in  the  vicinity  of 
the  city,  it  is  customary  with  gardeners  to  cut  their  Cabbages 
gradually  as  they  are  required  for  market,  and  often  to  leave 
their  roots  standing;  these  by  some  are  ploughed  under, 
where  they  not  only  feed,  but  generate  their  peculiar  species 
of  insects.  Some  gardeners  take  their  roots  and  leaves  to 
the  cattle  yard  or  dung'heap,  and  return  them  back  to  the 
garden  the  ensuing  season  in  the  shape  of  manure.  As  a 
consequence  of  such  practice,  good  Cabbages  are  very  sel- 
dom obtained,  even  after  a  routine  of  other  crops,  for  two  or 
three  years. 

With  a  view  to  illustrate  the  evil  of  deep  planting,  I  would 
observe  farther,  that  when  Cabbage  plants  are  transplanted 
in  proper  season  and  on  good  fresh  soil,  they  generally  prove 
uniformly  good ;  whereas,  if  it  should  happen,  as  it  some- 
time does  for  want  of  suitable  weather,  that  the  plants  can- 
not be  transplanted  until  they  get  crooked  and  overgrown, 
so  as  to  require  deep  planting  to  support  them  in  the  soil, 
such  plants,  like  diseased  Peach  trees>  decay  first  in  the 
bark,  between  earth  and  air,  and  then,  from  being  deprived 
of  a  natural  circulation  of  the  vegetable  juices,  die,  and  dis- 
charge their  putrid  matter  in  the  earth,  to  the  destruction  of 
such  other  plants  as  may  be  inserted  in  their  stead.  I  have 
frequently  known  a  land  of  Cabbage  plants  filled  up  half  a 
dozen  times,  and  the  crop  at  last  scarcely  worth  gathering, 
whereas,  could  the  plants  have  been  set  out  while  dwarfish, 
and  inserted  their  proper  depth  in  the  ground,  the  cultivator 
would  have  been  rewarded  a  hundred  fold. 

I  dislike  tautology,  but  cannot  avoid  repeating  my  humble 
opinion,  that  deep  planting  and  injudicious  culture  are  the 
causes  of  most  of  the  diseases  and  failures  of  fruit  trees ;  and 


104  PEACH. 

in  this  way  I  account  for  Peaches  being  less  plentiful  than 
they  were  when  left  almost  to  nature,  which  was  the  case,  I 
am  informed,  in  the  beginning  of  the  present  century.  That 
this  malpractice  in  horticulture  is  very  general,  the  most 
superficial  observer  may  discover,  by  comparing  the  thrifty 
growth  of  those  trees  scattered  by  nature  in  our  highways 
aud  byways  with  many  of  those  aided  by  the  art  of  man.  If 
any  of  my  readers  should  require  proof  of  my  assertions,  I 
can  show  them  from  the  window  of  the  room  where  this 
article  is  being  written,  scores  of  living,  or  rather  dying  evi- 
dences of  the  evil  of  deep  planting. 

All  the  varieties  of  the  Peach  produce  their  fruit  upon  the 
young  wood  of  a  year  old,  the  blossom  buds  rising  immedi- 
ately from  the  eyes  of  the  shoots.  The  same  shoots  seldom 
bear  after  the  first  year,  except  on  some  casual  small  spurs 
on  the  two  years'  wood,  which  is  not  to  be  counted  upon. 
Hence  the  trees  are  to  be  pruned  as  bearing  entirely  on  the 
shoots  of  the  preceding  year,  and  a  full  supply  of  regular 
grown  shoots  must  be  retained  for  successional  bearers.  Cut 
out  the  redundant  shoots,  and  all  decayed  and  dead  wood, 
and  reduce  some  of  the  former  bearers,  cutting  the  most 
naked  quite  away. 

A  Peach  Orchard  may  be  planted  at  any  time  after  the 
bud  is  established,  until  the  trees  are  three  or  four  years  old, 
which  may  be  placed  from  fifteen  to  twenty  feet  from  each 
other,  or  from  any  other  spreading  trees.  The  dwarf  kinds 
may  be  introduced  into  the  kitchen  garden,  and  trained 
against  fences,  as  directed  for  the  Apricot,  or  as  espaliers, 
or  dwarf  standards. 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OF    PEACHES.  106 

SELECT  DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  PEACHES. 

FREESTONE  PEACHES. 

ASTOR.  An  excellent  variety,  originating  in  the  city  of  New- York  ;  the 
fruit  is  above  medium  size;  skin  pale  yellow,  with  red  cheek  ;  flesh  melt- 
ing and  pleasant  flavoured  ;  juice  sweet  and  plentiful ;  ripe  the  latter  end 
of  August  and  early  in  September. 

BKERS'S  RED  RARERIPE,  Middltto:rn  late  Red  Rareripe.  Fruit  very 
large,  of  oblong  shape  ;  skin  nearly  white,  with  a  red  cheek ;  flesh  firm, 
juicy,  and  high  flavoured.  This  variety  originated  with  Joseph  Beers,  of 
Middletown,  New-Jersey  ;  it  ripens  there  from  the  middle  to  the  end  of 
September,  and  is  represented  as  a  good  market  fruit. 

BELLE  DE  VITRY,  Admirable  Tardive,  Bellis,  Beauty  of  Vilry.  A  large 
fruit,  of  tine  red  colour  next  the  sun,  on  the  opposite  side  a  yellowish 
white;  flesh  white,  stained  with  red  at  the  stone  ;  firm,  juicy,  sweet, 
vinous  and  excellent ;  ripe  early  in  September. 

BELLEGRADE,  Galande,  Violette  Hative,  Noire  de  Montreuil  Smooth 
Leaved  Royal  George  of  some-  The  tree  is  vigorous  and  productive ; 
fruit  above  medium  size,  globular  ;  skin  greenish  yellow,  and  on  the  sunny 
eide  rich  deep  red,  with  dark  purple  streaks  ;  flesh  pale  yellow,  very  melt- 
ing, saccharine  and  juicy;  a  first  rate  fruit,  early  in  September. 

BUONAPARTE.  A  fine  early  variety,  introduced  by  Joseph  Buonaparte, 
and  recommended  by  Caleb  R.  Smith,  of  Burlington,  New-Jersey,  as  being 
the  best  market  fruit  known  at  that  place ;  its  colour  is  red,  mottled  with 
yellow ;  flesh  melting  ;  juice  sweet  and  delicious,  in  August. 

BREVOORT'S  SEEDI  ING  MELTER,  Brevoorfs  Morris.  A  superior  Peach, 
raised  by  Henry  Brevoort,  Esq.,  of  New-York  ;  skin  of  a  dingy  white 
colour,  with  red  cheek ;  flesh  white,  firm,  rich,  and  sugary  ;  ripe  by  the 
middle  of  August. 

COLUMBIA.  Fruit  of  medium  size  ;  skin  rough  and  thin  :  colour  dull 
red  ;  flesh  yellow,  fibrous,  similar  to  a  pineapple,  juicy  and  rich.  It  is 
supposed  that  this  Peach  originated  with  Mr.  Cox.  It  is  a  singular  variety. 

COOLEDGE'S  FAVOURITE,  Cooledge's  early  Red  Rareripe.  A  large  hand- 
some globular  fruit ;  skin  red,  tinged  with  crimson  ;  flesh  very  melting, 
juicy,  and  of  delicious  flavour,  in  August  The  tree  is  vigorous  and  very 
productive. 

CRAWFORD'S  EARLY  MELOCOTON,  Early  Crawford.  Fruit  large,  oblong; 
skin  yellow  and  red  ;  flesh  yellow,  juicy,  sweet,  with  an  agreeable  acidity. 
It  originated  with  Mr.  Crawford,  Middletown,  New-Jersey.  The  tree  is  a 
great  bearer,  and  the  fruit  is  considered  one  of  the  most  marketable  varie- 
ties, in  August  and  September. 

CRAWFORD'S  LATE  MALACATUNE.  Fruit  very  large,  round ;  skin  yel- 
low and  red  ;  flesh  yellow,  sweet,  juicy,  and  excellent.  It  is  highly  esti- 
mated at  Middletown  for  its  productiveness  and  adaptation  for  market ;  in 
September  and  October. 

DOUBLE  MONTAGNK,  Sion,  Eearly  Double  Mountain,  Montauban.     A 
beautiful  and  excellent  Peach  of  middle  size  ;  skin  greenish  white,  but  soft 
red,  marbled  with  a  deeper  red  next  the  sun  ;  flesh  white  and  melting 
juice  plentiful  and  highly  flavoured  j  ripe  in  August 


106  DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OP    PEACHES. 

EARLY  ORANGE,  Orange  Freestone,  Yellow  Rareripe,  Yellow  Malacaton, 
Golden  Rareripe,  Early  Yetknv.  Fruit  under  a  medium  size,  inclining  to 
the  oval  shape,  apex  full,  with  a  small  tip  ;  skin  greenish  yellow ;  flesh  a 
fine  yellow  ;  juice  rich  and  sweet,  but  riot  plentiful ;  ripe  in  August  and 
September.  There  are  several  varieties  under  the  same  name,  some  of 
which  are  inferior  to  the  true  Orange  Peach. 

EARLY  ROYAL  GEORGE.  Red  Magdalen  of  Prince.  A  superior  variety, 
of  medium  size,  and  rather  globular  form  ;  skin  yellow,  with  red  cheek; 
flesh  melting  and  delicious;  in  August.  There  are  several  varieties  culti- 
vated under  this  name,  differently  described. 

EASTBURN'S  CHOICE.  Fruit  large,  nearly  round  ;  skin  pale  yellow,  with 
a  red  blush  ;  flesh  yellowish  white  ;  juice  exceedingly  pleasant  and  spright- 
ly ;  in  September  and  October.  The  tree  is  represented  as  hardy,  luxuri- 
ant and  vigorous,  by  the  Editor  of  Hoffy's  Orchardists'  Companion  of 
Philadelphia,  from  whence  this  description  is  taken. 

EMPEROR  OF  RUSSIA,  Serrated  Leaf,  New  Cut-Leaved  Unique.  The 
fruit  of  this  species  is  deeply  cleft,  one  half  of  it  projecting  considerably 
beyond  the  other;  the  skin  is  downy,  of  a  brownish  yellow  and  red  colour ; 
flesh  melting  ;  juice  sweet  and  delicious;  towards  the  end  of  August  This 
sort  was  found  by  Mr.  Floy,  in  New-Jersey,  1809,  and  all  the  stones  of  this 
fruit  are  said  to  produce  plants  with  jagged  leaves. 

GEORGE  THE  FOURTH.  An  excellent  Peach,  of  medium  size  and  globu- 
lar shape  ;  of  pale  yellow  colour  in  the  shade,  and  dark  red  next  the  sun ; 
flesh  yellow,  but  red  at  the  stone,  from  which  it  separates  ;  a  fruit  of  very 
superior  flavour  when  dt  maturity,  which  is  early  in  September.  It  origin- 
ated in  the  garden  of  Mr.  Gill,  Broad-street,  New-York. 

GREEN  NUTMKG,  Early  Anne,  Avant  Blanche.  This  early  variety  is 
said  to  have  originated  in  Berkshire,  England.  The  fruit  is  small ;  its 
colour  yellowish  green  ;  its  pulp  melting,  juicy,  of  very  pleasant  flavour, 
and  ripens  in  July  and  August.  Murray's  Early  Anne  is  a  variety  raised 
from  the  seed  of  this.  It  is  esteemed  for  its  early  maturity. 

GROSSE  MIGNONNE,  Veloutee  de  Merlet,  Grimwood's  Royal  George,  Large 
French  Mignonne,  Vineuse,  according  to  Lindley ;  and  the  following  syno- 
nymes  are  added  by  Kenrick  :  Belle  Beaute,  Smnotfi-leaved  Royal  George, 
Royal  Souverain,  Pourpre  de  Normandie,  Royal  Kensington,  Early  Vine- 
yard, Transparent,  and  Morris's  Red  Rareripe.  One  of  the  most  beautiful 
and  delicious  varieties  in  cultivation.  Fruit  large,  depressed,  hollow  at  the 
summit,  with  a  deepish  sature  ;  skin  rather  downy,  of  rich  deep  red,  thickly 
mottled  on  a  yellowish  ground;  flesh  pale  yellow,  rayed  with  red  at  the 
stone  ;  melting,  juicy,  and  of  a  rich  vinous  flavour,  when  in  perfection, 
which  is  early  in  September. 

HEATH  FREESTONE,  Kenrick1  s  Heath.  This  variety  was  first  obtained 
from  the  late  General  Heath,  of  Roxbury,  near  Boston.  The  fruit  is  very 
large,  oblong  and  beautiful,  frequently  weighing  half  a  pound  ;  colour  pale 
yellowish  green,  with  crimson  or  violet  next  the  sun ;  its  flesh  is 
melting,  juicy,  rich,  vinous,  and  agreeably  acid;  ripens  in  September  and 
October. 

HOFFMAN'S  POUND,  Morrison's  Pound,  Hoffman's  Favourite.  This 
fruit  is  by  some  called  the  Morrissania,  from  its  having  been  first  obtained 
by  Mr.  Floy  from  Governeur  Morris  ;  but  it  originated  with  Martin  Hoff- 
man, Esq.,  of  New-York.  The  fruit  is  very  large ;  skin  brownish  white 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OF    PEACHES.  107 

and  red ;  flesh  yellow,  firm,  very  juicy  and  delicious,  parting  from  the 
stone;  greatly  esteeemed  from  its  ripening  late  in  September  and  October. 

LATE  ADMIRABLE,  lioya.lt,  Royal,  Sourdine.  Teton  dr.  Venus  of  Prince 
and  Downing.  Fruit  large,  roundish,  inclining  to  oblong  ;  sature  deeply 
impressed  along  one  side,  having  the  flesh  swelling  boldly  and  equally  on 
both  sides,  with  a  slight  impression  on  the  summit ;  skin  downy,  of  pale 
green  colour,  streaked  with  dull  tawny  red ;  flesh  white,  delicate,  melting, 
juicy  and  high  flavoured  ;  a  magnificent  Peach,  ripening  in  September. 

MALTA,  Pecfte  Multe,  Belie  de  Paris,  Malta  de  N<n-mandie,  Italian  Peach. 
Fruit  above  the  medium  size  ;  colour  pale  yellowish  green,  marbled  with 
purplish  red;  flesh  yellow,  juicy,  rich,  vinous,  and  of  superior  flavour; 
ripens  at  the  end  of  August. 

MADELEINK  DE  COURSON,  Madeleine  Rouge,  Rouge  Faysanne,  Red 
Magdalen.  Royal  George,  and  New  Royal  Charlotte,  of  some  collections. 
An  excellent  fruit,  of  large  size ;  colour  yellow  and  red  ;  ripens  at  the  end 
of  August ;  flesh  firm,  white,  but  red  at  the  stone;  sugary  and  rich. 

MONSTROUS  LEMON,  Largest  Lemon.  This  variety  was  first  discovered 
in  the  garden  of  Mr.  Tiebout,  now  Union  Place ;  the  fruit  is  of  the  largest 
size,  and  in  the  gardens  of  two  persons  in  New-York,  has  weighed  seven- 
teen ounces,  as  stated  by  Mr.  Prince,  who  says  that  the  tree  requires  a 
sheltered  situation,  and  that  the  fruit  is  late  in  ripening  ;  October. 

MORRIS'S  RED  FREESTONE,  Red  Rareripe.  Groste  Mignonne,  and  Royal 
Kensington  according  to  Prince.  Fruit  nearly  round,  of  large  size,  apex 
a  little  sunken  ;  skin  greenish  yellow,  with  red  cheek  ;  flesh  delicious  and 
melting;  a  first  rate  var  ety  ;  ripe  toward  the  end  of  August. 

MORRIS'S  WHITE  FREESTONE,  White  Rareripe,  Luscious  White  Rare- 
ripe, Philadelphia  Freestone.  Lady  Ann  Stewart  of  Downing  and  Prince. 
Fruit  large,  and  inclining  to  the  oval  form,  sature  even,  but  not  deep  5 
apex  a  little  sunken  ;  skin  white  or  rather  yellowish ;  flesh  white,  juicy, 
rich  and  sweet ;  ripe  in  September. 

NEIL'S  EARLY  PURPLE,  Early  Purple  of  Miller,  Johnson's  Purple 
Avant,  Padley's  Early  Purple,  Veritable  Pourpree  Hative,  Peche  du  Vin. 
One  of  the  most  beautiful  of  Peaches,  of  medium  size  ;  skin  yellow,  but 
on  the  sunny  side  of  a  fine  deep  red  and  purplish  colour;  it  ripens  by 
the  middle  of  August;  flesh  melting,  juicy,  with  a  rich  vinous  flavour  ;  an 
excellent  fruit. 

NEW  ROYAL  CHARLOTTE,  Queen  Charlotte,  New  Early  Purple,  Kew 
Early  Purple.  A  delicious  Peach,  rather  above  medium  size ;  skin  pale 
greenish  white,  with  deep  red  next  the  sun  ;  flesh  greenish  white,  rich  and 
agreeable  ;  ripe  in  August. 

NOBLESSE,  Mellish's  Favourite.  Vanguard  of  Prince  and  Winter.  The 
tree  is  of  a  vigorous  growth,  and  very  productive;  fruit  large,  somewhat 
oval,  of  a  pale  red  colour,  marbled  with  different  shades ;  pulp  juicy,  rich, 
and  melting  when  at  maturity,  which  is  in  August  and  September. 

PRESIDENT  This  variety  originated  at  Bedford,  on  Long  Island.  It 
is  a  rich,  melting,  juicy  fruit,  of  large  size,  roundish,  with  a  shallow  sature; 
skin  very  downy,  dull  red  next  the  sun.  pale  yellowish  green  in  the 
shade ;  the  surface  covered  with  small  red  dots  ;  a  first  rate  Peach ;  ripe  in 
September. 

PRINCE'S  LATB  YEM.OW  FREESTONE.  A  beautiful  fruit,  of  a  greenish 
yellow  colour,  tinged  with  red  ;  flesh  firm  and  rich.  A  partially  ripe  speci- 


108  DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OP    PEACHES. 

men  of  this  variety  was  exhibited  by  Mr.  Prince  in  the  Horticultural  room 
of  the  American  Institute,  October  24th,  1843. 

RARERIPE  YELLOW,  Yellow  and  Red  Rareripe,  Red  Velvet,  Large  Yellow 
Nutmeg.  M.irie  Antoinette  of  some.  This  variety  is  large  v  skin  yellow 
and  red ;  flesh  firm,  rich  and  delicious,  in  August  and  September.  It  is 
considered  one  of  the  most  valuable  market  varieties. 

RED  CHEEK  MALACATUNE.  Hogg's  Milacotan,  Alberge  Incomparable, 
Lady  Gallutin,  Probyn  Peach.  The  fruit  of  this  variety  is  of  large  size 
and  oval  form  ;  its  colour  is  yellow,  with  a  red  cheek  on  the  sunny  side ; 
the  flesh  is  also  yellow,  melting,  rich,  juicy,  and  luscious.  There  is  another 
variety  of  this  fruit,  which  originated  with  Mr.  Polls,  of  New-York,  said 
to  DK  very  productive,  and  of  excellent  quality  ;  ripens  in  September. 

KOFINSON  CRUSOE,  Early  Robinson  Crusoe.  Fruit  lar^e,  round,  and 
handsome;  skin  pale  red,  marbled  with  d  trk  red;  flesh  juicy,  sweet,  and 
delicious ;  ripe  in  September.  The  stone  from  which  ihis  variety  was 
raised,  by  Dr.  Coxe.  of  Philadelphia.  was  brought  by  Lieutenant  Coxe  from 
the  far-famed  Island  of  Alexander  Selkirk,  or  Robinsoo  Crusoe. 

SMOCK  FHKE,  Smock's  Freestone.  An  esteemed  market  variety,  at  Mid- 
dletown,  New-Jersey,  where  it  originated,  in  Mr.  Smock's  orchard.  Some 
specimens  of  the  fruit  have  measured  twelve  inches  in  circumference,  it 
is  of  oblong  shape  ;  skin  pale  yellow  and  dark  red  ;  flesh  juicy,  a  little  acid, 
and  very  palatable  ;  in  September  and  October. 

SWEET  WATER,  Early  Sweet  Water.  American  Nutmeg  of  Prince* 
This  variety  is  said  to  have  originated  at  Flushing ;  its  form  is  round,  and 
its  colour  whitish  green,  with  a  red  blush  at  maturity,  which  is  early  in 
August.  The  flesh  is  very  tender,  melting,  rich  and  juicy. 

TETON  DE  VENUS.  Ruyale  of  some  collections.  There  are  two  or  three 
varieties  bearing  this  name ;  the  fruit  of  the  best  variety  is  large,  globular, 
of  a  pale  yellowish  green  colour,  marbled  with  red  ;  flesh  greenish  yellow, 
but  red  at  the  stone  ;  a  delicious  flavoured  Peach  ;  ripe  in  September. 

VAN  ZANDT'S  SUPERB.  Waxen  Rareripe.  This  variety  originated  with 
Mr.  Van  Zandt,  of  Flushing  ;  its  form  is  oval ;  its  skin  smooth,  somewhat 
mottle.!,  and  of  a  beautiful  waxen  appearance  j  flesh  melting,  and  of  excel- 
lent flavour  ;  in  August  and  September. 

WALTER'S  EARLY.  Fruit  large  j  colour  white  in  the  shade,  and  red 
next  the  sun  ;  flesh  red,  very  juicy  and  delicious.  It  is  considered  one  of 
the  most  productive  and  early  Peaches  cultivated  at  Middletown,  New- 
Jersey,  where  it  ripens  about  the  middle  of  August. 

WASHINGTON  PEACH,  Eoyce  Peach,  Washington  Freestone.  Early 
"Rose  tifsotne.  A  first  rate  Peach ;  colour  a  pale  yellow  in  the  shade,  but 
pale  red  next  the  sun ;  flesh  very  juicy  and  delicious ;  ripens  toward  the 
end  of  August.  A  peculiar  trait  in  this  Peach,  is  its  rapid  growth ;  it 
will,  while  ripening,  in  about  ten  days,  nearly  double  its  ordinary  size; 
weighing  over  half  a  pound. 

WHITE  BLOSSOM,  Willow  Peach,  Snow  Peach,  White  Slossomed  Incom- 
parable. This  variety  originated  on  Long  Island ;  the  fruit  is  perfectly 
white,  of  an  oval  form  and  handsome  appearance ;  the  flesh  is  also  white, 
melting,  juicy  and  pleasant ;  it  is  much  used  for  preserves  when  not  over 
ripe,  and  is  at  full  maturity  in  September. 

YELLOW  ADMIRABLE,  Abricotee,  Admirable  Jaune,  Peche  d'Qrangr., 
Grotst  Jaune,  Peche  de  Burai,  Sandalie,  Hermaphrodite,  Apricot  Peack, 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OF    PEACHES.  109 

The  fruit  of  this  variety  is  large ;  yellow  while  immature,  but  laved  with 
red  when  ripe  ;  flesh  firm,  yellow ;  flavour  similar  to  the  Apricot ;  ripe 
late  in  September. 

YELLOW  AJ.BKRCE,  Alberge  Jaune,  Peche  Jaune,  Roussanne,  Saint 
Laurent  Jaime,  Petite  Ruussanne,  Ronanna.  Purple  Alberge,  and  Gold 
Fleshed  of  Winter  <fr  Co.  A  middle  sized  globular  fruit,  of  a  yellow  colour 
in  the  shade,  with  deep  red  next  the  sun  ;  the  flesh  deep  yellow,  but  red 
next  the  stone ;  melting,  juicy,  rich,  sweet,  vinous  and  excellent  j  in  August. 


PA  VIES,    OR    CLINGSTONE    PEACHES. 

BLOOD  CLING,  Claret  Clingstone,  Red  Velvet.  Sanguinole  of  Prince. 
Peach  of  Winter  if  Co.  Fruit  large,  oblong,  of  a  dark  violet  or 
crimson  colour;  flesh  blood  red  to  the  stone ;  highly  valuable  for  preserves, 
and  by  some  deemed  preferable  to  the  Quince.  The  tree  is  very  pro- 
ductive. 

CATHARINE.  Rodman1  s  Red,  and  Red  Catharine  of  some  catalogues. 
Fruit  large,  round,  variable;  colour  a  beautiful  red  next  the  sun,  marbled 
and  dashed  with  darker  shades  ;  pale  greenish  yellow  in  the  shade  ;  flesh 
white,  tinged  with  yellow  and  red ;  juice  abundant,  and  of  very  rich  and 
sweet  flavour ;  tree  a  good  bearer  ;  its  fruit  ripens  in  September. 

CONGRESS  CLINGSTONE.  Mr.  Manning  describes  this  as  a  fine  large 
round  Teach;  skin  yellowish  white,  marbled  with  red;  flesh  melting, 
juicy,  rich  and  excellent ;  in  September. 

EARLY  NEWINGTON,  Smith's  Newington,  New-York  Early  Newington. 
A  much  esteemed  fruit ;  its  colour  in  the  shade  is  white,  but  next  the  sun 
red  ;  its  form  is  globular;  its  flesh  is  juicy,  rich  and  high  flavoured.  The 
tree  is  productive,  and  the  fruit  matures  in  August. 

HEATH,  HEATH  CLINGSTONE,  Late  Heath,  Late  October.  Mr.  Prince 
says,  that  the  original  tree  of  this  variety  was  discovered  growing  wild  on 
the  farm  of  the  late  Judge  Willet,  of  Flushing,  and  took  its  name  from  its 
being  found  in  a  barren  field.  The  fruit  is  very  large,  of  oval  or  oblong 
form  ;  the  skin  is  downy,  nearly  all  white ;  the  flesh  is  peculiarly  rich  and 
highly  flavoured,  tender,  melting  and  juicy.  There  is  another  variety 
mentioned  by  Mr.  Kenrick,  and  called  by  the  same  name,  said  to  have 
been  raised  from  a  stone  brought  by  Mr.  Heath  from  the  Mediterranean, 

HVSLOP'S  CLINGSTONE.  The  trees  of  this  variety  are  vigorous  and  pro- 
ductive. The  fruit  is  large  •,  skin  a  yellowish  white,  with  red  cheek ;  flesh 
melting,  juicy,  sweet,  vinous,  and  excellent ;  it  ripens  in  October,  and  will 
keep  good  till  November. 

IncoMFARABLE,  Late  Admirable,  Pavie  Admirable.  The  fruit  of  this 
esteemed  variety  is  large  and  roundish  ;  the  skin  pale  yellow  colour,  shaded 
with  scarlet  or  deep  crimson  next  the  sun  ;  flesh  pale  yellow  ;  juice  sugary 
and  well  flavoured ;  ripe  in  September. 

LEBJON  CLINGSTONK,  Kennedy's  Carolina,  Pineapple  Clingstone,  Hoyte'» 
Lemon  Clingstone,  Lemon  Largest,  Lnrge  Yellow  Pineapple.  This  fruit 
is  of  large  size  and  oval  shape  ;  yellow  in  the  shade,  but  bright  red  next 
the  sun  ;  it  resembles  a  lemon,  having  a  nipple  at  the  apex ;  some  have 
weighed  twelve  ounces;  its  flesh  is  firm,  and  is  at  maturity  in  New-York^ 
by  the  end  of  September. 

10 


110  DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OF    PEACHES. 

MONSTROUS  PA  VIE  OH  POMPONNE,  Gros  Melecoton,  Gros  Perseque  Rouge 
Pavie  Monstreux,  Pavie  Curnu.  Fruit  very  large,  roundish,  with  an  ob- 
tuse nipple  ;  skin  downy,  of  a  fine  red  and  greenish  white  colour  :  flesh 
white,  deep  red  at  the  stone,  juicy  and  vinous,  excellent  for  preserving ;  in 
September  and  October. 

NEW-YORK  WHITE  CLINGSTONE,  Williams's  New-York.  New  Newing- 
ton  of  some  catalogues.  Fruit  large,  round,  with  a  pointed  apex  ;  skin 
white,  tinged  with  rose  ;  flesh  yellow,  melting  or  soft,  but  adhering  closely 
to  the  stone ;  juice  very  plentiful,  sweet,  luscious,  and  high  flavoured  ; 
ripe  in  September. 

OLD  MIXON  CLINGSTONE.  Of  all  c'ingstone  Peaches,  this  is  considered 
the  most  delicious  ;  the  skin  is  yellow,  with  a  bright  red  cheek,  marbled  ; 
flesh  red  at  the  stone,  rich,  juicy,  sweet,  and  high  flavoured  ;  the  fruit 
ripens  gradually  in  September.  This  variety  is  cultivated  in  Massachu- 
setts, under  the  above  name ;  but  Mr.  Manning  says  that  he  has  cultivated 
this  fruit  with  the  Old  Newington,  and  the  Catharine,  and  could  never  per- 
ceive any  difference  in  the  fruit  or  trees. 

OLD  NEWINGTON,  Newington.  The  fruit  of  this  variety  is  large,  rather 
globular,  of  a  fine  bright  reU  and  pale  yellow  colour,  marbled  with  dashes 
and  streaks  of  a  deeper  colour  ;  the  flesh  is  yellowish  white,  but  red  at  the 
Btone ;  also  juicy,  rich,  sweet  and  well  flavoured ;  the  tree  is  very  pro- 
ductive ;  in  September. 

ORANGE  CLING,  Round  Alberge.  A  beautiful  native  Peach,  of  round 
shape,  and  bright  yellow  or  orange  colour ;  flesh  orange  colour,  aromatic, 
rich,  and  juicy.  The  tree  is  a  great  bearer,  and  from  the  beauty  of  its 
fruit,  which  ripens  in  September,  is  entitled  to  extensive  cultivation  for 
the  market. 

PAVIE  MADELEINE,  Pavie  Blanc,  Melecoton,  Myrecoton,  Merlicoton, 
Persique  a  Gros-Fruit  Blanc.  The  fruit  of  this  variety  is  of  medium 
size,  somewhat  broadly  globular ;  skin  pale  yellowish  white  and"  marbled 
red  ;  flesh  yellowish  white  to  the  stone;  juice  sugary  ami  of  an  agreeable 
flavour  ;  towards  the  end  of  August  and  September. 

PRINCE'S  CLIMAX.  Fruit  very  large,  oval ;  skin  yellow,  mottled  with 
crimson  ;  flesh  yellow,  and  of  rich  pineapple  flavour  ;  ripe  in  September, 
and  good  in  October. 

SELBY'S  CLING.  Fruit  large,  highly  esteemed ;  skin  white  and  red1  j 
flesh  melting,  juicy,  and  of  peculiar  rich  flavour ;  ripe  in  September  and 
October. 

SMOCK'S  CLINGSTONE.  Fruit  very  large,  obtong ;  skin  yellow  and  red: ; 
flesh  juicy,  rich,  a  little  acid ;  it  ripens  in  October  at  Middletown,  New- 
Jersey,  and  is  considered  one  of  the  most  productive  and  profitable  late 
market  fruits. 

TIPPECANOE  PKACH,  Hero  of  Tippecanoe.  This  variety  originated 
with  George  Thomas,  of  Philadelphia,  and  the  fruit  has  been  much  ad- 
mired at  the  Pennsylvania  Horticultural  exhibitions  ;  it  is  of  large  size, 
of  a  beautiful  yellow  colour,  with  a  fine  red  blush  ;  flesh  yellow,  firm  and 
juicy,  possessing  an  agreeable  acidity ;  it  ripens  late  in  September.  A 
faithful  description  of  this  fruit,  accompanied  by  a  beautiful  coloured 
plate,  taken  from  nature,  may  be  seen  in  Hoffy's  Orchardists'  Companion, 
Mo.  4. 


PKAR.  Ill 

PEAR. 
POIRIER.    Pynis. 

THE  Pear  tree,  in  its  wild  state,  is  thorny,  with  upright 
branches,  tending  to  the  pyramidal  form,  in  which  it  differs 
materially  from  the  Apple  tree.  The  twigs,  or  sprays,  hang 
down  ;  the  leaves  are  eliptical,  obtuse,  serrate  ;  the  flowers 
in  terminating,  villose  corymbs,  produced  from  wood  of  the 
preceding  year,  or  from  buds  gradually  formed  on  the  several 
years'  growth,  on  the  extremeties  of  very  short  protruding 
shoots,  technically  called  spurs.  It  is  found  in  a  wild  state 
in  England,  and  abundantly  in  France  and  Germany,  as 
well  as  in  other  parts  of  Europe,  not  excepting  Russia,  as 
far  north  as  latitude  51.  It  grows  in  almost  any  soil.  The 
cultivated  tree  differs  from  the  Apple,  not  only  in  having  a 
tendency  to  the  pyramidal  form,  but  also  in  being  more  apt 
to  send  out  tap  roots ;  it  being,  as  a  seedling  plant,  longer  in 
coming  into  bearing ;  and  when  on  its  own  root,  or  grafted 
on  a  wild  Pear  stock,  much  longer  lived.  In  a  dry  soil,  it 
will  exist  for  centuries,  and  still  keep  its  health,  productive- 
ness, and  vigour.  The  Romans  had  thirty-six  varieties  in 
Pliny's  time :  there  are  now  several  hundreds  in  the  French 
and  British  nurseries ;  the  London  Horticultural  Catalogue 
contains  the  names  of  upward  of  six  hundred  varieties. 
Professor  Van  Mons,  of  Brussels,  and  M.  Duquessie,  of 
Mons,  fruited  about  eight  thousand  seedling  Pears,  from 
which  they  obtained  nearly  eight  hundred  sorts  worth  culti- 
vating, (Neil's  Hort.  Jour.)  The  varieties  are  divided  by 
the  French  into  different  classes  of  fruits,  which  are  desig- 
nated as  Beurrees,  Crevers,  Poiree,  &c. 

CRITERION  OP  A  GOOD  PEAR. — Dessert  Pears  are  charac- 
terized by  a  sugary,  aromatic  juice,  with  the  pulp  soft  and 
sub-liquid,  or  melting,  as  in  the  Beurrees,  or  Butter  Pears, 
or  of  a  firm  and  crisp  consistence,  or  breaking,  as  in  the 


112  PEAR. 

Winter  Bergamots.  Kitchen  Pears  should  be  of  a  large 
size,  with  the  flesh  firm,  neither  breaking  nor  melting,  and 
rather  austere  than  sweet.  Perry  Pears  may  be  either  large 
or  small ;  but  the  more  austere  the  taste,  the  better  will  be 
the  liquor;  excellent  perry  is  made  from  the  wild  Pear. 

Pear  trees  are  propagated  by  grafting  in  the  spring,  or 
budding  late  in  the  summer,  and  also  by  seed  taken  from 
the  best  sorts  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  new  varieties.  In 
raising  Pear  stocks,  the  wild  Pear  is  preferred  in  Europe,  as 
being  calculated  to  produce  plants  more  hardy  and  durable 
than  the  cultivated  sorts ;  and  for  dwarfing  and  precocity, 
the  Quince  is  preferred. 

The  Pear  is  a  much  handsomer  upright  growing  tree 
than  the  Apple ;  more  durable,  and  its  wood  hard  and  valu- 
able for  the  turner  and  millwright ;  but  its  blossoms  being 
white,  are  less  showy  than  those  of  the  Apple. 

A  Pear  Orchard  may  be  planted  at  any  time  after  the 
trees  are  two  years'  old  from  the  graft ;  and  as  some  varie- 
ties of  trees  from  young  stocks  will  not  come  into  full  bear- 
ing until  ten  or  twelve  years  old,  they  will  bear  removing 
with  care  at  any  time  within  that  period.  They  may  be 
planted  at  from  twenty  to  thirty-five  feet  distance  from  each 
other,  according  to  the  nature  of  the  tree.  The  dwarf  vari- 
eties may  be  planted  in  the  kitchen  garden,  and  trained 
either  as  espaliers  or  dwarf  standards. 

Standard  Pear  trees  will  require  but  little  pruning  after 
the  heads  are  once  formed ;  in  doing  which,  the  branches 
should  be  permitted  to  extend  on  all  sides  freely.  Several 
years  may  elapse  before  any  cross-placed,  very  irregular,  or 
crowded  branches,  require  pruning;  yet  there  are  some 
kinds  whose  form  of  growth  resembles  the  Apple ;  such  will 
need  frequent  pruning.  "  The  Pear  tree,"  Mr.  Phail  says, 
"  does  not  produce  blossoms  on  the  former  year's  wood,  as 
several  other  sorts  of  trees  do.  Its  blossom  buds  are  formed 
upon  spurs  growing  out  of  wood  over  one  year  old,  and, 
consequently,  projecting  spurs  all  over  the  tree  must  be  left 


PEAR.  113 

for  that  purpose."  In  some  Pears,  Knight  observes,  "  the 
fruit  grows  only  on  the  inside  of  those  branches  which  are 
exposed  to  the  sun  and  air;  in  others  it  occupies  every  part 
of  the  tree."  Withering  says,  that "  the  French  make  perry, 
or  poire,  from  the  fermented  juice  of  the  Pear,  which  is 
little  inferior  to  wine ;  and  that  even  the  bad  eating  kinds, 
pared  and  dried  in  an  oven,  will  keep  several  years  with  or 
without  sugar. 

Before  I  introduce  the  descriptive  list  of  Pears,  it  may  be 
necessary  to  inform  my  readers  that  a  controversy  has  lately 
existed  among  justly  celebrated  pomologists  and  nursery- 
men, with  regard  to  some  of  the  old  varieties  of  Pears  and 
other  fruits  ;  the  consequence  of  which  has  been,  that  several 
cultivators  are  for  an  indiscriminate  rejection  of  all  the  oldest 
varieties,  while  others  contend  that  in  some  districts  the  old 
fruits  are  as  good  as  they  were  ever  known  to  be,  and  con- 
sequently deserving  of  cultivation  as  hei'etofore.  It  is  recor- 
ded in  '  London's  Encyclopaedia,'  that  the  Autumn  Bcrgamot 
for  instance,  has  been  cultivated  and  highly  esteemed  in 
England  since  the  time  of  Julius  Caesar,  nearly  nineteen  cen- 
turies. This  fact  is  my  apology  for  retaining  such  of  the  old 
varieties  of  the  different  fruits  in  my  descriptive  list,  as  have 
been  most  celebrated.  The  following  extracts  are  from  the 
catalogue  of  Messrs.  Winter  &  Co.,  proprietors  of  the  old 
Linnaean  Botanic  Garden  and  Nurseries,  Flushing,  Long 
Island : 

"  That  some  of  the  fine  old  varieties  of  the  Pear  have 
deteriorated  in  some  parts  of  the  country,  is  unquestionable; 
this  is  ascribed  to  various  causes ;  first,  that  the  varieties 
have  run  out,  as  it  is  termed ;  sc.cond,  to  the  uso  of  diseased 
stocks,  or  scions  from  diseased,  or  aged,  or  unthrifty  trees, 
or  both ;  third,  to  the  deleterious  influence  of  the  salt  air, 
near  the  seaboard ;  fourth,  to  the  want  of  proper  attention 
to  soil  and  culture.  We  cannot  subscribe  to  the  soundness 
of  the  reason  first  assigned  ;  there  are  too  many  instances  of 
varieties  of  fruit  whose  origin  is  so  remote  that  it  cannot  be 

10* 


114  PEAR. 

traced,  still  continuing  in  full  vigour ;  and  the  kinds  which 
toave  deteriorated  in  some  sections  of  the  country,  still  main- 
tain their  celebrity  in  the  interior,  and  more  especially  in 
the  virgin  soil  of  the  west.  Which  of  the  other  causes  as 
signed,  has  tended  to  deteriorate  the  fine  kinds  alluded  to, 
we  will  not  undertake  to  determine ;  one  or  more  of  them 
may  have  had  their  influence,  but  we  think  that  proper 
attention  to  propagation,  soil,  and  culture,  may  in  general, 
if  not  in  every  instance,  restore  the  valuable  old  varieties  to 
their  pristine  excellence ;  and  in  this  vicinity  there  is  deci- 
sive evidence  of  the  improvement  of  that  superior  old  variety 
the  White  Doyenne,  Saint  Michael,  or  Virgalieu." 

The  last  line  of  the  above  extract  leads  me  to  remark, 
that  so  celebrated  has  been  the  Pear  therein  alluded  to,  that 
it  has  been  cultivated  throughout  the  civilized  world  for 
centuries,  under  numberless  different  names.  In  '  Lindley's 
Guide  to  the  Orchard  and  Fruit  Garden,'  fifteen  synonymes 
are  added  to  the  general  head,  WHITE  DOYENNE  ;  some  of 
which  names  are  still  retained  in  the  catalogues  of  those 
who  profess  to  denounce  the  old  fruits  as  "  outcasts."  Ill 
fact,  the  various  catalogues  are  become  so  complicated  from 
the  above  causes,  that  I  have,  to  avoid  discrepancy,  occa- 
sionally adopted  some  of  the  names  as  synonymes,  of  what, 
to  me,  appeared  to  be  distinct  varieties ;  and  with  a  view  to 
lead  the  reader  to  judge  for  himself  in  such  cases,  I  have 
appended  the  names  of  the  different  nurserymen  to  the 
articles,  who  being  practical  men  of  good  judgment,  and 
integrity,  are  entitled  to  such  distinction.  These  remarks 
are  intended  to  apply,  not  only  to  Pears,  but  to  other  species 
of  fruit  in  the  various  descriptive  lists. 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OF    PEARS.  115 

SELECT  DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  PEARS. 

SUMMER   FRUIT. 

AH  '  MOM  DIEU.  A  beautiful  Pear,  introduced  by  J.  B.  Mantel,  of 
Bloomingdale,  New-York.  It  is  depicted  in  '  Hoffy's  Orchardists'  Com- 
panion, by  a  handsome  coloured  plate,  accompanied  by  the  following  de- 
scription :  Size  medium  ;  form  handsome  ;  colour  rich  yellow,  with  bright 
red  cheek;  flesh  juicy;  flavour  sweet  and  perfumed.  Tree  vigorous  and 
productive,  the  fruit  growing  in  clusters  of  four  or  five  together. 

AMIRE  JOANNET,  Early  Sugar.  This  fruit  is  described  by  Mr.  Man- 
ning as  small,  of  oblong  form  ;  light  yellow  skin,  with  a  small  portion  of 
red  ;  flesh  white,  and  when  not  overripe  juicy  and  good.  It  ripens  in  July, 
about  ten  days  before  the  Petit  Muscat,  to  which  it  is  superior  in  flavour. 

BELLE  DE  BRUXELLES,  Beauty  of  Brussels,  Cours  Complet.  A  large 
early  Pear  of  pyramidal  form;  skin  a  beautiful  clear  yellow,  with  red 
cheek  ;  flesh  white,  fine,  and  of  an  agreeable  flavour  ;  ripe  early  in  August. 

BEURRK  D'AMANLIS.  A  fine  early  Pear,  imported  from  France  by  J.  B. 
Mantel,  of  Bloomingdale,  New-York  ;  and  described  as  follows,  in  '  Hoffy's 
Orchardists'  Companion:'  Size  large;  form  large  bellied;  colour  green, 
changing  to  yellow,  with  a  fine  blush  when  fully  ripe,  and  russet  spots  ; 
flesh  melting,  juicy,  sweet  and  excellent ;  ripe  in  August  and  September. 
Tree  vigorous  and  productive. 

BLOODGOOD  PEAR,  Early  B'urre.  Fruit  large  ;  form  nearly  oval;  skin 
n  dull  yellow,  covered  with  dark  russet  spots ;  flesh  tender,  melting,  and 
pleasant.  Mr.  Manning  says,  "  It  comes  early  into  bearing  and  produces 
abundant  crops  every  year  ;  in  August." 

CRAWFORD,  Early  Crawford-  A  fine  early  Scotch  Pear,  of  medium 
size,  round, at  the  eye,  diminishing  at  the  stem  ;  the  skin  is  entirely  of  a 
light  yellow ;  the  flesh  juicy,  tender,  and  good.  Mr.  Manning  says  that 
the  tree  comes  into  bearing  young,  and  ripens  its  fruit  in  August. 

DEARBORN'S  SEEDLING.  This  variety  originated  in  the  garden  of  the 
Hon.  H.  A.  S.  Dearborn,  of  Roxbury.  The  tree  is  of  vigorous  growth; 
fruit  of  medium  size,  rounded  at  the  crown,  and  regularly  diminishes  in  a 
parabolic  manner  to  the  stalk  ;  the  skin  is  smooth,  thin,  green,  with  russet 
spots  ;  at  maturity  it  turns  to  a  delicate  yellow  ;  flesh  very  melting,  and 
of  the  finest  flavour ;  in  August. 

EART.Y  ROUSSELET,  Rousselet  hatif,  Early  Catharine.  This  is  a  small 
Pear,  with  a  long  curved  neck  ;  skin  yellow,  with  brownish  russet ;  flesh 
very  fine,  rich,  and  high  flavoured ;  in  August  and  September.  The  tree 
yields  immense  crops. 

HONEY  PEAR,  American  Honey.  This  Pear  in  size  and  shape  resem- 
bles the  Seckle ;  the  skin  is  yellow,  with  a  large  portion  of  dull  red ;  the 
flesh  sweet,  juicy  and  good.  Mr.  Manning  says  the  tree  bears  young,  and 
bids  fair  to  be  very  prolific. 

JARGONKLLE,  ENGLISH,  Beau  Present,  Saint  Sampson,  Grosse  Cuisse 
Madame,  Saint  Lambert,  Poire  des  Tables  des  Princes.  Fruit  rather 
large,  oblong,  of  a  pale  green  colour,  a  little  marked  with  red  ;  flesh  melt- 
ing, juicy,  with  a  slightly  acid,  rich  and  agreeable  flavour.  It  ripens  earl/ 


116  DESCRIPTIVE    LIS1    OP    FEARS. 

in  August,  is  one  of  the  most  productive  of  all  Pears,  and  the  very  best  in 
its  season. 

JULIENNE  OF  COXE,  U  Architluc  d'Ete,  Summer  Beurre,  Summer  Doy- 
enne, Summer  St.  Michael,  of  Boston.  Bhodgood  Pear  of  some  col- 
lections. Fruit  medium  size,  smooth,  bright  yellow  at  maturity,  with  a 
faint  blush  next  the  sun;  form  rather  ovate,  tapering  toward  the  stalk ; 
flesh  perfectly  melting,  rich,  and  juicy.  The  tree  bears  young,  and  most 
profusely,  and  matures  its  fruit  in  August  and  September. 

MADELEINE,  Magdalene,  Citron  des  Ctirmes.  Early  Chaumontelle.  This 
Pear  is  of  medium  size,  pale  yellow,  with  an  occasional  blush  next  the 
sun  ;  flesh  white,  melting,  perfumed.  A  fine  early  fruit,  ripening  in  July 
and  August.  Mr.  Manning  considers  this  a  very  good  Pear ;  he  says  the 
tree  bears  well  every  year. 

ROUSSELET  DK  R.HEIMS,  Mu*k  or  Spice  Pear.  Fruit  small,  pyramidal, 
greenish  yellow  at  maturity,  but  brown  red  next  the  sun,  with  russetty 
spots  ;  flesh  half  beurre,  fine,  very  perfumed.  Good  to  put  in  brandy,  and 
to  dry  ;  in  August  and  September. 

SABINE  D'ETE,  Bellissime  d?  Amour,  Epargneof  the  French.  English 
Red  Cheek.  This  Pear  is  of  pyramidal  form,  terminating  in  a  round  blunt 
point  at  the  stalk  ;  colour  yellow,  but  fine  scarlet  next  the  sun  ;  the  whole 
surface  smooth,  regular,  and  polished ;  flesh  white,  melting,  juicy,  and 
highly  perfumed  ;  the  tree  is  an  abundant  bearer,  and  ripens  its  fruit  in 
August. 

STEVENS'S  GENESER  PE\R.  A  specimen  of  this  Pear  was  furnished  the 
Orchardists'  Companion,  from  Wm.  Reid's  Nursery,  at  Murray  Hill,  New- 
York.  It  appears  by  the  plate,  to  be  a  beautiful  Pear,  of  large  size,  and 
rather  of  an  oblong  form  ;  its  colour  is  mellow  green,  with  russet  blotches  ; 
its  flesh  is  represented  as  white,  juicy,  and  melting  ;  flavour  sprightly,  rich, 
and  very  delicious.  Time  of  ripening,  toward  the  end  of  August 

SKINLKSS  PEAR.  Poire  sans  peau,  Fleur  de  Guignes.  A  small  oblong 
Pear;  the  skin,  which  is  very  smooth  and  thin,  is  pale  green,  marbled  with 
red  and  yellow ;  flesh  crisp,  sweet,  and  of  pleasant  flavour.  The  tree  is 
very  prolific,  ripening  its  fruit  in  August. 

SUMMER  FRANCREAL,  Fruncreal  <CEte,  Fondanfe,  France  Cannel,  Gros 
Micet  d'Ete,  Milan  Blanc,  Prebles  Beurre.  Fruit  above  medium  size  ; 
shape  oblong;  thickest,  about  one-third  from  the  eye  ;  skin  yellowish  green; 
flesh  melting,  rich  and  excellent;  ripe  early  in  September. 

SUMMER  MELTING.  Summer  Beurre,  Fondant  d'Efe.  An  excellent 
summer  Pear,  of  pyriform  shape  ;  colour  yellow,  tinged  with  brownish 
red  ;  flesh  soft,  melting,  and  sweet.  The  tree  bears  young,  and  ripens  its 
fruit  in  August. 

SUMMER  ROSE,  Thorny  Rose,  Epine  Rose,  Poire  de  Rose,  Rosenbirnc 
Kraft.  A  Pear  of  medium  size,  in  form  resembling  an  Apple;  the  skin 
is  dull  yellow,  spotted  with  russet,  and  marbled  with  red  ;  a  very  produc- 
tive variety,  ripening  its  fruit  early  in  August.  Mr.  Manning  pronounces 
this  a  beautiful  fruit,  and  t,he  tree  a  great  bearer. 

WILLAMS'S  BONCHRKTIEN,  Barf  let.  WWiams's  Early,  Autumn  Superb 
of  Prince.  This  fruit  originated  with  a  Mr.  Wheeler,  at  Aldermaston, 
in  Berkshire,  England,  but  was  subsequently  extensively  propagated  by 
Mr.  Williams,  near  London  ;  hence  its  name.  The  fruit  is  large,  oblong; 
the  stalk  thick  and  fleshy,  an  inch  long ;  the  colour  at  maturity  yellow 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OP    PEARS.  117 

tinned  with  red ;  fiVsh  whitish,  very  melting,  and  delicate ;  juice  perfumed, 
sweet  and  abundant  Tree  very  productive,  and  fruit  ripe  early  in  Sep- 
tember. 

AUTUMN   FRUIT. 

ANDREWS,  Amory,  Gibson.  Fruit  oblong ;  skin  yellowish  green,  with  a 
dull  red  cheek ;  flesh  melting,  juicy,  and  high  flavoured.  Mr.  Manning 
represents  it  as  "  a  very  valuable  pear,  producing  its  fruit  early  and  abun- 
dantly." Ripe  in  September  and  October. 

AUTUMN  BERGAMOT,  Common  Bergamot,  York  Bergamot,  Bergamotte 
tfAuto/nne,  Andrews.  Fruit  globular,  depressed  ;  skin  rough,  yellowish 
green,  and  dull  brown,  with  greyish  spots ;  flesh  pale,  melting,  juicy, 
sugary  and  perfumed;  ripe  in  September  and  October.  This  variety  has 
been  cultivated  in  England  from  the  time  of  Julius  Caesar,  and  is  still  con- 
sidered by  many  a  first-rate  Pear  in  its  season. 

AUTUMN  JSUPERB.  This  is  a  large  Pear,  full  and  round  at  the  eye, 
diminishing  to  a  point  at  the  stem  ;  the  skin  is  yellow,  mixed  with  dull 
red  ;  the  flesh  melting  and  good.  Mr.  Manning  says  it  bears  young;  and 
that  the  fruit  ripens  in  October. 

HEU.F.  ET  BONNE,  Belle  d' Flanders,  Schone  und  gute,  Gracieuve.  Fruit 
very  large,  globular,  depressed ;  the  stalk  long  ;  skin  greenish  yellow,  but 
nrxt  the  sun  yellow,  with  spots  of  russet ;  flesh  white,  sweet,  exceeding 
rich  and  agreeably  perfumed.  The  tree  is  very  productive,  and  the  fruit 
ripens  in  September.  This  variety  has  been  cultivated  under  the  erroneous 
names  of  Charles  d'Autriche,  Belle  De  Bruxelles  and  Bergamotte  Crus- 
sanne,  which  are  distinct  fruits. 

KEI.LE  LUCRATIVE,  Fondante  d'Automne.  A  beautiful  Flemish  Pearj 
middle  sized,  roundish,  tapering  at  the  stalk  ;  skin  yellow,  slightly  rus- 
seited,  and  tinned  with  pale  red;  flesh  melting,  sweet  and  juicy,  with  a 
sligi  t  musky  perfume  ;  early  in  October.  Mr.  Manning  considered  this 
variety  as  worthy  of  a  place  among  the  choisest  collections. 

RF.URRE  Bosc,  Calebusse  base.  Fruit  large  and  very  long;  terminated 
with  a  crown,  near  three  inches  in  diameter ;  somewhat  calabash-formed  ; 
skin  gray  fawn  colour,  but  russetty  yellow  at  maturity;  flesh  white,  melt- 
ing, highly  flavoured,  and  delicious  ;  it  ripens  in  October. 

HI.E.EKER'S  MEADOW,  Large  Seckel,  of  Prince.  Meadow  Pear  of  Winter 
4-  Co.  A  native  fruit  of  medium  size,  roundish  form,  and  of  a  yellow 
colour,  tinged  with  dull  red;  the  flesh  melting,  juicy,  sweet,  musky,  and 
of  delicious  flavour;  ripe  in  October.  A  prolific  bearer. 

BROWN  BEURRE,  Beurre  Rouge,  Beurre  d'Or,  Beurre  Dote,  Beurre  du 
Roi,  Beurre  d'Arnbnifte,  Isumbert,  Red  Beurre,  Golden  Beurre,  Poire  <£  Am- 
boixe.  This  was  formerly  considered  the  best  of  all  Pears  in  its  season. 
Fiuit  rather  large,  of  greenish  yellow,  and  dusky  red  colour,  covered  with 
thin  russet ;  flesh  melting,  buttery,  rich  and  excellent ;  at  perfection  in 
October  and  November. 

CAPIAMONT,  Beurre  de  Capiaumonf,  Calebasse  vass.  This  variety  is 
much  esteemed  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston.  Fruit  of  medium  size ;  skin 
yellow,  tinged  with  fine  red  or  cinnamon ;  flesh  yellowish,  melting,  very 
rich  and  high  flavoured  ;  in  September  and  October. 


118  DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OP    PEARS. 

CAFSHEAF.  A  medium  sized  Pear,  much  cultivated  near  Providence, 
Rhode  Island  ;  the  shape  is  rather  globular ;  skin  a  light  cinnamon  russet; 
flesh  white,  melting  and  juicy.  The  tree  bears  well,  says  Mr.  Manning, 
and  the  fruit  ripens  in  October. 

CHARLES  D'AUTRICHE,  Gracieuse.  Charles  of  Austria.  A  fine  and 
beautiful  fruit,  large,  three  and  a  half  inches  long,  and  three  inches  broad; 
colour  greenish  yellow,  with  brown  spots,  and  partially  russetted;  flesh 
white,  melting,  juicy,  and  delicious  ;  ripe  in  October,  and  good  in  Novem- 
ber. 

CUMBERLAND.  A  native  fruit  from  Cumberland,  Rhode  Island,  of 
large  size  and  oblong  shape ;  skin  orange  colour,  with  bright  red  cheek  ; 
the  flesh  melting,  juicy  and  good  ;  ripe  in  October.  The  tree  is  of  vigorous 
growth,  says  Mr.  Manning,  and  bears  abundantly. 

GUSHING.  A  native  fruit  from  Hingham,  Massachusetts  ;  of  medium 
size  and  oblong  shape  ;  skin,  when  ripe,  smooth,  of  a  light  yellow,  mottled 
with  dull  red  on  one  side  ;  flesh  white,  melting,  sprightly  and  good.  Mr. 
Manning  says  it  comes  early  into  bearing,  and  produces  plenty  of  fruit  in 
September  and  October. 

DELICES  D'ARDENPONT,  Delices  d' Harden  pont  de  Toulouse.  Beurre 
d'Ardenpont  of  some.  Fruit  above  medium  size ;  oblong,  pyramidal ;  skin 
yellow  at  maturity,  and  partially  covered  with  a  thin  rinnamon  coloured 
russet;  flesh  yellowish  white,  nearly  melting;  juice  pleasant,  sweet,  and 
abundant ;  in  October  and  November.  The  tree  is  a  good  bearer. 

Dix.  A  native  variety  originating  in  the  garden  of  Mr.  Dix»  in  Boston  ; 
fruit  large,  oblong;  skin,  when  ripe,  yellow,  with  a  blush  of  red;  flesh 
melting,  juicy  and  rich  ;  in  October  and  November. 

DOYENNE  SANTELETE.  A  new,  fine,  handsome  Flemish  Pear ;  fruit 
above  the  middle  size,  pyramidally  oblong;  skin  pale  green,  speckled  with 
grey  russet;  flesh  white,  a  little  gritty,  but  tender;  juice  saccharine,  with 
a  slight  musky  perfume.  The  tree  is  hardy,  and  ripens  its  fruit  early  in 
October. 

DUCHESS  OF  ANGOULEME,  Duchesse  d' Angouleme.  A  Pear  of  first-rate 
excellence.  Form  roundish,  oblong,  tapering  towards  the  stalk  ;  skin  dull 
yellow,  with  broad  russet  patches  ;  flesh  white,  rich,  melting,  very  juicy, 
and  high  flavoured,  with  a  most  agreeable  perfume.  Specimens  of  this 
fruit  have  been  shown  in  England,  weighing  twenty-two  ounces  ;  at  per- 
fection in  October  and  November. 

FLEMISH  BEAUTY,  La  Belle  de  Flanders.  Imperatrice  de  la  France. 
Brilliant,  Bosch,  Bouche  Nuuvelle.  A  fine  Flemish  Pear  in  great  repute ; 
it  is  of  large  size,  obovate,  obtuse  at  the  stalk;  greenish  yellow  russet, 
tinged  with  crimson ;  flesh  rather  firm,  yellowish  white,  sweet,  rich,  and 
excellent ;  it  ripens  in  October. 

FREDERICK  OF  WURTEMBERG,  Roi  de  Wurtemberg,  Capiaumont  of  some 
collections.  A  large  and  splendid  Pear,  of  pyramidal  form  and  fine 
yellow  colour,  covered  with  beautiful  crimson  on  one  side  ;  flesh  melting, 
and  of  delicious  flavour.  The  three  bears  while  young,  and  very  abun- 
dantly. 

FULTOW.  A  fine  Pear  of  medium  size,  raised  from  seed  by  Mr.  Fulton, 
of  Topsham,  Maine;  shape  roundish  turbinate  ;  skin  dark  yellow;  rus- 
setted j  flesh,  melting,  juicy,  and  of  delicious  flavour  j  ripe  in  September, 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST   OP    FEARS.  119 

and  lasts  a  month.    The  tree  is  a  great  and  constant  bearer,  and  highly 
deserving  of  cultivation. 

GANSEL'S  BERGAMOT,  Broca's  Bergamot  Ives's  Bergamot,  Bonne  Rouge. 
Fruit  varying  from  middle  size  to  large;  ovate  flattened;  colour  dull 
green,  slightly  red  next  the  sun;  flesh  white,  melting,  sweet,  rich  and  high 
flavoured.  A  delicious  Pear;  ripe  in  October,  and  good  till  Christmas. 
Mr.  Manning  says  that  this  variety  was  introduced  in  1766,  and  as  yet 
shows  no  sign  of  decay. 

GULDEN  BEURRK  OF  BILBOA.  This  variety  was  imported  from  Bilboa, 
by  Mr.  Hooper,  of  Marblehead ;  the  original  name  being  unknown.  Fruit 
of  medium  size,  oblong;  colour  a  bright  golden  yellow,  with  patches  of 
russet ;  perfectly  melting,  and  of  fine  flavour.  A  beautiful  Pear  tree,  a 
great  bearer,  and  worthy  of  cultivation  ;  ripe  in  October. 

GORE'S  HKATHCOT.  A  native  variety,  highly  esteemed  in  Massachu- 
setts. Fruit  of  medium  size  ;  form  long;  skin  of  a  uniformly  light  yellow; 
flesh  melting,  juicy,  and  high  flavoured.  The  growth  of  the  tree  is  hand- 
some and  vigorous,  producing  abundant  crops  in  September  and  October. 

GREEN  SY».VANGE,  Sylvan ge  Vert,  Bergamotte  Sylvange.  A  most  supe- 
rior Pear,  of  medium  size,  skin  rough  and  green,  speckled  with  grey  or 
black.  The  flesh  is  greenish  near  the  skin,  whi'e  in  the  centre,  soft,  sac- 
charine and  juicy ;  fruit  in  perfection  from  October  to  Christmas.  The 
tree  is  a  great  bearer,  and  specimens  of  the  fruit  have  been  known  to  weigh 
thirteen  ounces. 

HACON'«  INCOMPARABLE.  Norfolk  Seelling.  Downfiam  Seedling  of  Win- 
ter Jf  Co.  Fruit  middle  sized,  of  pale  yellow  colour,  mixed  with  green, 
partially  covered  with  orange  russet ;  flesh  yellowish  white,  slightly  gritty, 
but  very  tender,  juicy,  sweet  and  rich ;  and  possessing  a  high  musky  and 
perfumed  flavour.  The  tree  is  a  great  bearer,  and  the  fruit  excellent ;  in 
November  and  December.  A  silver  medal  was  given  to  the  originator  of 
this  fruit,  as  a  prize,  in  England,  1830. 

HARVARD,  L'Epergne,  Boston  Epargne-  This  variety  is  highly  prized 
in  the  Boston  markets  ;  fruit  above  medium  size ;  oblong,  swollen  at  the 
crown ;  skin  russetty  yellow,  tinged  with  red  ;  flesh  white,  juicy  and 
melting  ;  in  September  and  October. 

HENRY  THE  FOURTH,  Henri  Quatre.  Fruit  of  medium  size;  oblong, 
skin  a  dull  yellow,  mixed  with  brown  and  green;  flesh  yellow,  rather 
gritty,  juicy  and  melting,  with  a  peculiar  rich  flavour;  ripe  in  September 
and  October.  Mr.  Manning  says  the  tree  bears  while  young,  and  abun- 
dantly. 

LONG  GREEN  OF  AUTUMN,  Verte  Longne,  Mouthwnter.  Mr.  Manning 
says  that  this  is  one  of  the  best  of  the  old  varieties  ;  its  form  is  very  long  ; 
skin  at  maturity  a  light  green  ;  flesh  white,  melting,  and  rich  flavoured 
The  tree  is  of  vigorous  growth,  bears  well,  and  the  fruit  is  ripe  in  Septem- 
ber and  October. 

MARIE  LOUISE,  Marie  Chrelienne.  Fruit  oblong,  tapering  towards 
both  ends;  size  varying  from  medium  to  large;  skin  nearly  smooth,  yel- 
lowish green,  and  cinnamon  coloured  russet ;  flesh  white,  melting,  juicy, 
and  rich.  It  ripens  in  October  and  November,  and  is  an  excellent  fruit  in 
its  season. 

MOOR  FOWL  EGG.  Fruit  rather  small,  globular,  ovate,  swollen  in  the 
middle  ;  skin  orange  brown  next  the  sun,  with  spots  of  russet ;  flesh  yel- 


120  DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OP    PEARS. 

lowish  white,  a  little  gritty,  but  tender  and  mellow,  juice  saccharine,  ft 
little  perfumed.  This  is  a  hardy  Scotch  variety  ;  ripe  in  September,  and 
good  in  October 

NAPOLEON,  Medaille,  Sauvageon  Liart.  Roide  Rome,  nnd  W  urttmburg 
of  Prince.  Fruit  large,  form  of  the  Colmar;  skin  smooth;  colour  bright 
green,  but  at  maturity  pale  green;  flesh  very  melting,  with  an  unusual 
abundance  of  rich  agreeable  juice.  At  perfection  in  October  and  November 

PKINCESSE  OF  ORANGE.  Princess  d' 'Orange,  Princes  C mquette.  The 
fruit  is  roundish  ;  the  skin  bright  reddish  orange  russet  r  flesh  j  efhrwrsh 
white,  sugary  and  rich,  in  some  seasons  perfectly  melting,  but  occasionally 
a  little  gritty.  A  beautiful  Pear,  and  of  good  quality  ;  in  October. 

SECKLE,  New-York  Red  C/ttek,  Red  Cheek  Seckle,  Sycle.  An  excellent 
native  fruit,  in  size  rather  small  j  colour  varying  from  yellowish  to  brown- 
ish russet,  but  bright  red  next  the  s-un  ;  flesh  melting,  spicy,  and  of  a  most 
extraordinary  rich  flavour.  This  fruit  grows  in  clusters,  in  great  abun- 
dance, and  is  at  perfection  in  September  and  October. 

SWAN'S  EGG,  Mi/or  Fowl  Egg  if  Boston.  Fruit  small,  of  an  oval,  tur- 
binate  figure  ;  colour  yellowish  green,  and  dull  russetty  brown  ;  flesh  tender 
and  melting,  with  a  rich,  saccharine,  musky  flavour.  An  excellent  fruit; 
ripe  in  October.  The  tree  is  remarkably  tall,  upright,  vigorous,  and  pro- 
ductive. 

URBANISTK,  Beurre  du  Roi.  The  fruft  is  of  medium  size,  pyramidally 
ovate  ;  skin  pale  green,  inclining  to  yellow,  with  green  streaks  ;  flesh 
white,  but  reddish  yellow  next  the  core ;  it  is  quite  melting,  juicy,  and  very 
sweet,  with  a  little  perfume;  it  ripens  from  the  middle  of  September  to 
November. 

WASHINGTON.  A  native  fruit  from  New  Jersey,  of  medium  size  and 
oval  form  ;  the  skin  is  light  yellow,  covered  with  small  brown  spots,  with 
a  tinge  of  red;  the  flesh  melting,  and  of  excellent  flavour.  Mr.  Manning 
says  the  tree  bears  well,  and  is  worthy  of  general  cultivation ;  fruit  ripens 
in  September. 

WHITE  DOYENNE,  Doyenne  Blanc,  Beurre  Blanc,  Bonne  ante,  St.  Mi- 
chael, Carlisle,  Citron  tie  Septembre,  Jfaixerbirne,  Poire  a  cmtrte  q>ieuet 
Poire  de  Limon,  Poire  de  Seigneur,  Poire  Monsieur,  Valencia,  White 
Beurre,  Virgalieu  of  some  collections.  Fruit  pretty  large  ;  roundish  ob- 
long; skin  pale  citron  yellow,  with  cinnamon  russet,  speckled;  flesh 
white,  juicy,  very  buttery,  and  delicious  ;  ripe  in  September  and  October. 
An  old,  and  once  celebrated  variety,  still  admired  by  many,  although 
excluded  from  some  nurseries,  or  cultivated  under  new  names. 

WILKINSON.  A  native  Pear  from  Cumberland,  H.  I.  The  tree  bears 
young,  and  is  very  fruitful ;  size  above  medium;  form  oblong;  skin  yel- 
low, with  a  brownish  blush  near  the  sun  ;  flesh  white,  juicy,  and  melting ; 
at  perfection  in  October  and  November. 


WINTER    FRUIT. 

D'AREMBERO,  Beurre  d'Arembert,  Due  d'Aremberg,  Poire 
tfAremberg,  Beurre  Deschamps,  Beurre  des  Orphelins  of  Peschamps, 
Colmar  Deschamps.  The  English  and  French  writers  speak  of  this  Peai 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OF    PEARS.  121 

as  one  of  the  best  in  cultivation.  The  tree  is  a  great  bearer,  comes  early 
into  cultivation,  and  the  fruit  will  keep  till  March.  Fruit  large,  turhmate; 
skin  of  a  delicate  pale  green,  dotted  with  russet,  which  becomes  of  a  deeper 
yellow  at  maturity  ;  flesh  whitish,  fine,  very  juicy,  perfectly  melting,  and 
\ery  extraordinarily  rich,  sweet,  high  flavoured  and  excellent. 

BKUHRE  DIEL,  Diefs  Butterbirne,  Dorothce  Royalty  Beurre  de  Yelle, 
Beurre  Roy  ale.  Poire  de  Melon.  Beurre  Incomparable  of  some.  This 
ranks  amongst  the  best  of  Pears.  The  tree  is  of  vigorous  growth  ;  fruit, 
when  in  perfection,  four  inches  long,  and  three  inches  broad ;  the  skin  at 
maturity  is  bright  orange,  with  reddish  russet ;  flesh  clear  white,  melting, 
juicy,  and  of  a  delicious  aromatic  flavour;  from  November  to  January. 

BEURRE  RANGE,  Beurre Epine,  Hardenpont  de  Printemps.  This  is  said 
to  be  a  first-rate  Pear.  The  tree  is  vigorous,  and  a  good  bearer;  fruit  mid- 
dle sized,  oblong  ;  skin  deep  green,  with  russetty  specks  ;  flesh  green, 
melting,  having  a  rich  delicious  flavour,  with  very  little  acid.  It  shrivels 
in  ripening,  but  will  keep  till  April. 

BEZY  VAET,  Bezy  de  Saint  Vanst.  A  most  excellent  Pear,  somewhat 
the  shape  of  the  Swan's.  Egg,  but  larger  ;  skin  dull  green,  covered  with 
russetty  spots  ;  flesh  yellowish  ;  perfectly  melting,  sweet  and  agreeably 
perfumed  ;  at  perfection  in  November  and  December. 

CATILLAC.  Fruit  very  large,  rather  turbinate  ;  pale  yellow,  stained  with 
red;  flesh  firm  and  breaking;  its  flavour  astringent;  an  excellent  baking 
Pear;  from  November  to  April.  Specimens  of  this  variety  have  been 
known  to  weigh  upward  of  two  pounds. 

CHAUMONTEI.,  Bezy  de  Chaumontelle,  Poire  de  Chaumontelle,  Beurre 
d'Hiver.  This  noble  old  variety  is  a  fruit  varying  in  size,  from  large  to 
very  large  ;  its  colour  at  maturity  yellow,  tinged  with  brownish  red  next 
the  sun ;  its  form  variable  ;  flesh  melting,  juicy,  sweet,  musky,  excellent ; 
in  season  from  November  to  February. 

COLMAU,  Colmar  Souverain.  Poire  Marine,  Bergamotte  Tardive,  Incom- 
parable- This  fruit  is  rather  large  ;  skin  smooth,  of  a  green  colour, 
changing  to  4  yellow  at  maturity ;  form  pyramidal ;  flesh  melting,  juicy, 
saccharine,  and  of  excellent  flavour.  The  fruit  is  in  perfection  from  No- 
vember to  February. 

COLUMBIA,  Columbian  Virgalieu.  A  large  native  pear  of  oblong  or 
pyramid  form,  and  fine  yellow  colour,  tinged  with  red ;  flesh  rich,  firm, 
juicy,  and  excellent ;  from  November  to  January.  Tree  productive  and 
of  very  handsome  form. 

EASTER  BEURRX,  Bergamotte  de  la  Pentecote,  Beurre  d'Hiver  de  Brux- 
elles,  Doyenne  d'Hiver,  de  Bruxelles,  Bezi  Chaumontelle  Tres  Gros.  Of 
all  the  late  keeping  Pears,  this  is  considered  the  best  (for  England.)  Fruit 
large,  roundish,  oblong;  colour  green,  but  yellow  at  maturity,  with  specks 
of  russet  brown  ;  flesh  yellowish  white,  perfectly  buttery  and  melting,  also 
extremely  high  flavoured ;  it  is  eatable  in  November,  and  will  keep  till 
May  ;  it  is  a  most  profuse  bearer,  on  a  quince  stock. 

ECHASSERY,  Bezy  de  Chassery,  Bezy  de  Landry,  Poire  d'(Etif,Ambrette, 
Walnut,  Tilton  of  New-Jersey.  Fruit  middle  size,  of  a  roundish  turbinate 
figure,  something  like  a  Citron,  or  the  Ambrette ;  skin  smooth,  greenish 
yellow,  with  grey  specks ;  flesh  melting,  juicy  and  delicious  ;  from  Decem- 
ber to  March. 


122  DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OP    PEARS. 

GLOUT  MORCEAU,  G'oux  Morceaux*  Beurre  d'Aremberg.  Roi  de  Wurt- 
emburg,  Gloria.  Colmar  d'hiver  of  Prince,  and  Beurre  de  Harden  pout  of 
Downing.  A  very  large  BeUic  variety,  of  jjreat  excellence ;  fruit  of  ovalish 
form,  pale  green  colour,  inclining  to  yellow,  with  russctty  specks  and 
blotches  ;  flesh  whitish,  firm,  very  juicy  and  excellent;  in  perfection  from 
November  to  March. 

LEWIS.  This  variety  originated  on  the  farm  of  Mr.  I.  Lewis,  of  Roxbu- 
ry,  Mass.  The  size  is  medium  ;  form  somewhat  globular ;  skin,  when 
ripe,  a  greenish  yellow;  the  flesh  is  white,  very  melting,  juicy  and  excel- 
lent; from  November  to  March.  The  tree  grows  quick,  and  bears  abun- 
dance of  fruit. 

LOUISE  BONNE  DE  JERSEY,  Louise  Bonne  d'Avranches.  A  large  Pear  ; 
oblong;  a  good  substitute  for  the  old  St.  Germain,-  skin  yellowish  green, 
sometimes  tinged  wilh  red  ;  flesh  extremely  tender,  and  full  of  an  excellent 
saccharine,  well  flavoured  juice.  A  first-rate  fruit,  from  October  till  after 
Christmas. 

NEWTOWN  VERGALEAU.  A  large  Pear,  of  a  yellow  colour,  with  a  very 
short  stalk  ;  the  tree  grows  very  crooked  and  of  an  irregular  form,  bending 
by  the  weight  of  its  fruit,  which  is  excellent  to  preserve,  or  for  baking ; 
from  November  to  January.  Its  productiveness  renders  it  desirable  in  an 
orchard. 

PASSE  COLMAR,  Fondante  de  Panisel,  Passe  Colmar  Gris  dit  Precet, 
Poire  Precel,  Passe  Colmar,  Epineux,  Beurre  Colmar  Gris  dit  Precel 
Beurre  d'Argenson,  Present  de  Malines,  Colmar  souverain,  Ch<ipmanr& 
A  most  valuable  Pear,  of  medium  size,  conical,  flattened  next  the  eye;  skin 
at  maturity  yellowish,  sprinkled  with  russet,  a  tinge  of  red  next  the  sun  ; 
flesh  yellowish^  melting,  rich  and  excellent.  The  tree  is  a  good  bearer, 
and  the  fruit  is  in  perfection  from  November  to  February. 

POUND  PEAR,  Black  Pear  of  Worcester,  Parkinson's  Warden,  Grands 
Munarque,  Livre,  Groote  Mogul,  Gros  Rattan  Gris,  Love  Pear.  Winter 
Bell  of  Downing.  Fruit  very  large,  of  a  roundish  turbinate  figure  ;  skin 
rough,  covered  with  dull  russet ;  flesh  hard  and  coarse,  but  excellent  when 
baked  or  stewed  in  winter.  G rafted  on  a  Pear  stock,  the  tree  bears  so 
abundantly,  as  to  bend  like  a  weeping  willow.  A  specimen  of  this  variety 
was  exhibited  at  the  sixteenth  annual  fair  of  the  American  Institute,  Octo- 
ber, 1843,  weighing  33  oz. 

PRINCE'S  ST.  GERMAIN.  Fruit  about  medium  size  ;  form  obovate  ;  skin 
russetty  yellow,  with  dull  red  cheek  ;  flesh  melting  and  good.  Mr.  Man- 
ning says  that  its  abundant  bearing,  and  its  ripening  gradually  in  the  house 
during  winter,  renders  it  a  very  valuable  market  fruit ;  good  till  after 
Christmas. 

SURPASSE  MARIE  LOUISE,  Pitt's  Prolific  Marie,  Pitt's  Marie  Louise. 
A  large  Pear  ;  oblong  or  calabash  formed  ;  green,  covered  with  brown  yel- 
low russet ;  flesh  melting  and  rich  flavoured ;  ripe  in  October  and  Novem- 
ber. It  is  a  very  prolific  bearer. 

SURPASSE  ST.  GERMAIN.  Fruit  of  medium  size  ;  round  <*t  the  crown, 
tapering  to  the  stem :  it  is  of  very  irregular  form  ;  the  skin  is  rough  ; 
colour  yellow,  mixed  with  dull  brown  ;  flesh  coarse  grained,  sugary,  and 
high  flavoured  ;  good  from  November  till  January. 

SURFASSE  VER.GALEAU.  Fruit  large,  oblong,  some  specimens  nearly 
round ;  the  skin  smooth,  its  colour  yellow  with  a  light  red  cheek  ;  flesh 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OF    PEARS.  123 

rich,  juicy,  and  delicious  eating  ;  in  October  and  November.  Mr.  Manning 
«ays  the  tree  bears  young,  yields  large  crops,  and  is  worthy  of  extensive 
cultivation. 

UVENDALE'S  ST.  GERMAIN,  Belle  de  Jersey.  A  large  fine  pyriform  Bell 
Pear,  of  a  brownish  green  colour,  with  russetty  spots;  flesh  firm,  and  high 
flavoured.  It  is  considered  a  first-rate  baking  Pear,  and  will  keep  till 
March.  Mr.  Reid,  of  the  Murray  Hill  Nursery,  exhibited  some  fine  speci- 
mens of  this  fruit  at  the  sixteenth  annual  fair  of  the  American  Institute, 
October,  1843. 

VICAH  OF  WINKFIELD,  Bourgmestre  of  Boston,  Monsieur  Le  Cure, 
Dumas,  Clion  <f  Boston,  according  to  the  catalogue  of  Winter  $  Co.  Flush- 
ing. Fruit  oblong,  or  pyramidal  ;  skin  russetty  yellow,  with  ruddy  colour 
on  one  side ;  flesh  firm,  sweet,  and  rich  ;  good  as  a  table  fruit,  from  De- 
cember to  February.  This  variety  is  deserving  extensive  cultivation,  for 
its  beauty,  large  size,  keeping  qualities  and  productiveness. 

WINTER  NELIS,  Nelis  d'Hivtr,  La  Bonne  Mnlimnse,  Spretuw.  All  ac- 
counts agree  that  this  is  a  most  excellent  Winter  Pear;  its  size  is  above 
medium,  somewhat  oval ;  its  skin  green  and  russetty,  full  of  grey  dots; 
flesh  yellowish  white,  melting,  high  flavoured,  with  a  musky  perfume  ;  at 
perfection  in  December  ond  January. 

PERRY   PEARS. 

BARI.AND.  This  variety  took  its  name  from  the  original  tree,  growing 
in  a  field  called  Bare  Lands,  in  Herefordshire,  England.  The  fruit  is  small- 
ish, of  ovate  form  ;  skin  dull  green,  russetted  with  grey.  It  is  deemed 
excellent  for  perry.  Specific  gravity  of  its  juice  1070. 

HOLMORE.  Fruit  small  globular  ;  skin  of  a  dingy  yellowish  green,  tinged 
with  red.  Excellent  perry  is  made  of  this  variety  in  Herefordshire,  Eng- 
land. Specific  gravity  of  its  juice,  1066. 

HUFFCAP.  There  are  several  varieties  of  Pears  bearing  this  name,  but  the 
best  perry  is  made  of  the  true  Herefordshire  Huffcap.  The  fruit  is  middle 
sized,  of  pale  green  colour,  marked  with  grey  russet.  Specific  gravity  of 
its  juice  1070. 

MONARCH.  A  new  Pear,  considered  by  Mr.  Knight  as  without  a  rival. 
The  tree  is  of  rapid  growth,  and  an  abundant  bearer  ;  fruit  large,  of  an  ex- 
traordinary musky  flavour,  and  deemed  excellent  for  perry  ;  good  also  for 
the  table;  from  October  to  December  and  January. 

OLDFIELD.  Fruit  below  the  medium  size,  of  pale  green  colour,  with 
russetty  spots.  An  excellent  perry  fruit.  Specific  gravity  of  its  juice  1067. 
From  this  variety  is  made  the  celebrated  Ledbury  Perry. 

LONGLAND.  Fruit  very  handsome,  much  like  the  Swan's  Egg  in  shape; 
skin  bright  gold  colour,  tinged  and  mottled  with  a  russetty  lively  orange; 
specific  gravity  of  its  juice  1063.  The  tree  is  handsome  and  upright,  and 
much  cultivated  in  Herefordshire  for  perry. 

TEINTON  SQUASH.  Fruit  middle  sized,  of  angular  shape ;  skin  a  muddy 
russetty  green,  marbled  with  dull  orange,  interspersed  with  ash-coloured 
specks.  It  originated  in  Teinton,  Gloucestershire,  and  the  perry  made 
from  this  fruit  is  of  the  very  highest  quality,  something  approaching  in 
colour  and  briskness  to  champaigne,  for  which  fine  samples  of  it  have 
sometimes  been  sold. 


124  PLUM. 

PLUM. 
PRUNIER.     Pmnus. 

THE  Plum  tree  rises  fifteen  feet  in  height,  branching  into 
a  moderately  spreading  head  ;  the  leaves  are  ovate,  serrated, 
and  on  short  petioles ;  petals  white.  The  natural  colour  of 
the  fruit  is  generally  considered  to  be  black ;  but  the  varie- 
ties in  cultivation  are  of  yellow,  red,  blue,  and  green  colours, 
and  of  different  forms  and  flavours.  There  are  several  good 
sorts  that  grow  wild  in  the  hedges  of  Britain,  and  also  in 
America,  but  its  original  country  is  supposed  to  be  Asia ;  and 
according  to  Pliny,  it  was  taken  from  Syria  into  Greece,  and 
from  thence  into  Italy.  There  are  many  varieties  cultivated 
in  France ;  and  in  the  London  Horticultural  Garden  there 
are  about  three  hundred  sorts  kept  under  name.  The  Green 
Gage  is  considered  the  best  dessert  Plum,  and  the  Egg 
Plum  for  sweetmeats ;  but  the  Damson  is  the  best  baking 
Plum. 

The  Plum  is  said  to  succeed  best  in  a  lofty  exposure,  and 
may  yield  well  in  the  mountainous  parts  of  the  United  States; 
it  yields  well  near  Albany,  but  the  fruit  is  by  no  means 
plentiful  in  the  vicinity  of  the  city  of  New- York.  Like  the 
Nectarine,  it  is  subject  to  the  attacks  of  the  Curculio,  and 
other  insects. 

It  has  been  observed  that  Plum  trees  growing  in  frequent- 
ed lanes  or  barn-yards,  are  more  generally  fruitful  than 
those  cultivated  in  private  gardens,  or  secluded  situations ; 
this  circumstance  is  by  some  attributed  to  the  jarring  of  the 
trees,  by  cattle  and  swine  rubbing  against  them ;  thus  caus- 
ing the  defective  fruit  to  fall  on  the  ground.  Geese  kept  in 
orchards  or  fruit  gardens,  often  prove  beneficial ;  as  they, 
by  devouring  the  defective  fruit  and  other  corruptible  matter, 
prevent  the  possibility  of  insects  getting  into  the  ground,  so 
as  to  perpetuate  their  existence,  or  multiply  their  species. 

Cobbett  attributes  the  scarcity  of  Plums  in  New- York  to 


PLUM.  125 

neglect  In  his  American  Gardener,  paragraph  320,  he 
asks,  "  How  is  it  that  we  see  so  few  Plums  in  America, 
when  the  markets  are  supplied  with  cart-loads  in  such  a 
chilly,  shady,  and  blighty  country  as  England  V 

I  would  answer  this  query  by  informing  the  reader,  that 
the  inhabitants  of  our  parent  country,  with  a  view  to  derive 
the  full  benefit  of  the  sun's  rays  for  the  cultivation  of  Plums, 
Peaches,  Nectarines,  and  such  other  fruit  as  require  extra 
heat,  train  their  trees  against  walls,  fences,  or  trellis-work; 
and  from  their  having  these  means  of  support,  gardeners 
have  no  inducement  to  plant  them  deeper  than  is  necessary; 
whereas,  from  the  circumstance  of  the  American  climate 
being  sufficiently  warm  to  ripen  those  fruits  on  standard 
trees,  they  are  generally  so  cultivated.  Many  persons,  to 
save  the  trouble  of  staking,  or  otherwise  supporting  their 
trees,  plant  them  too  deep,  and  thus  defeat  the  operations 
of  nature.  That  this  is  a  prevalent  eiror,  has  been  shown 
in  the  articles  Nectarine  and  Peach,  to  which  the  reader  is 
referred  for  a  more  concise  view  of  the  subject. 

New  varieties  of  the  Plum  are  produced  from  seed  ;  and 
the  old  kinds  are  generally  propagated  by  budding  on  stocks 
of  free-growing  Plums,  in  preference  to  grafting,  because 
Plum  trees  are  very  apt  to  gum  wherever  large  wounds  are 
made  in  them.  All  the  sorts  produce  their  fruit  on  small 
natural  spurs  rising  at  the  ends  and  along  the  sides  of  the 
bearing  shoots  of  one,  two,  or  three  years'  growth.  In  most 
sorts,  new  fruit  branches  are  two  years  old  before  the  spurs 
bear.  The  same  branches  and  spurs  continue  fruitful,  in 
proportion  to  the  time  which  they  take  to  come  into  bear- 
ing. 

After  the  formation  of  the  head  is  begun,  it  takes  from 
two  to  six  years  before  the  different  sorts  come  into  bearing. 
Standards  must  be  allowed  to  expand  in  free  growth,  occa- 
sionally pruning  long  ramblers  and  irregular  cross  branches. 
In  annual  pruning,  thin  crowded  parts,  cut  away  worn  out 
bearers,  and  all  decayed  and  cankery  wood.  The  Plum 

13* 


126  DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OP    PLUMS. 

may  be  cultivated  in  small  gardens,  trained  as  espaliers,  or 
to  a  close  fence,  like  the  Apricot,  &c. 

The  tree  is  of  farther  use  than  for  its  fruit  as  a  dessert, 
&c. ;  the  bark  dyes  yellow ;  the  wood  is  used  by  turners ; 
and  the  dried  fruit,  or  prune,  is  formed  into  electuaries  and 
gentle  purgatives.  Prunes  were  originally  brought  from 
Damascus,  whence  their  name. 


SELECT  DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  PLUMS. 

AMERICAN  YELLOW  GAGE,  American  Wheat.  A  beautiful  medium 
sized  oval  Plum,  of  a  bright  yellow  colour,  when  fully  ripe ;  its  flavour  is 
rich,  equal  to  the  Green  Gage.  The  fruit  is  not  apt  to  crack  nor  to  be 
attacked  by  insects.  It  is  a  very  suitable  variety  to  cultivate  for  the  mar- 
ket ;  it  ripens  in  August  and  September. 

APHICOT  PLUM,  Prune  Abricote,  Abricnte  de  Tours.  A  large  freestone 
Plum  ;  its  form  is  globular,  depressed,  divided  by  a  deep  sature  ;  whitish 
yellow,  but  faint  red  next  the  sun,  and  covered  with  bloom  ;  its  flesh  is 
firm,  juicy,  sweet,  musky  and  excellent;  it  ripens  in  August  and  Sep- 
tember. 

BINGHAM,  Bingham's  Yellotu  Cling.  A  delicious  clingstone  Plum,  of 
large  size  and  oval  form  ;  skin  bright  yellow,  spotted  and  blotched  with 
red  ;  flesh  yellow,  rich,  and  delicious  ;  ripening  in  August  and  September. 

BLEEKKR'S  GAGE.  This  fine  freestone  Plum  is  stated  to  have  been 
raised  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bleeker,  of  Albany,  from  the  stone  of  a  German 
Prune;  it  is  a  large  globular  fruit,  of  excellent  quality;  skin  dark  yellow, 
with  red  spots  and  blotches  ;  the  flesh  is  rich,  saccharine,  and  juicy ;  in 
September. 

COE'S  GOLDEN  DROP,  Coe's  Imperial,  Bury  Seedling,  Golden  Gage, 
Fair's  Golden  Drop.  Raised  by  Mr.  Coe,  Bury  St.  Edmond's,  Suffolk. 
England.  The  tree  is  vigorous;  fruit  oval,  of  large  size;  skin  greenish  yd 
low,  spotted  with  violet  and  crimson;  the  flesh,  which  separates  from  the 
stone,  is  of  gold  colour,  rich  and  excellent ;  the  fruit  ripens  at  the  end  of 
September,  and  will  keep  several  weeks.  A  first-rate  fruit,  and  worthy  of 
general  cultivation. 

COE'S  LATE  RED,  Saint  Martin,  Saint  Martin  Rouge.  An  excellent 
freestone  Plum  of  medium  size,  in  form  almost  round  ;  its  colour  is  violet 
purple,  with  a  partial  degree  of  bloom  ;  flesh  rich,  saccharine  and  high 
flavoured.  It  is  one  of  the  best  of  late  Plums,  ripening  in  October  and 
November. 

COLUMBIA,  Columbian  Gage.  A  beautiful  native  clingstone  Plum,  of 
light  purple  colour:  the  flesh  is  firm,  of  a  greenish  hue,  with  an  abundance 
of  rich  flavoured  juice.  The  tree  is  a  great  bearer,  and  ripens  its  fruit  in 
August 

COOPER'S  LARGE  RED,  Cooper's  Large  American,  La  Delicieuse.    This 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OP    PLUMS.  127 

Plum  is  of  extraordinary  size,  measuring  within  an  eighth  of  two  inches  in 
each  direction  ;  the  skin  is  of  a  fine  dark  purple  colour  ;  the  flesh  is  yel- 
lowish green,  rich,  juicy,  and  of  pleasant  flavour  5  the  fruit  makes  excellent 
preserves,  if  gathered  in  August ;  its  great  defect  is  an  inclination  to  rot,  if 
left  long  on  the  tree. 

DIAMOND  PLUM.  Some  consider  this  as  the  largest  Plum  known ;  its 
colour  is  a  dark  purple  ;  in  form  it  resembles  the  Magnum  Bonum,  but  its 
flavour  is  considered  rather  superior;  it  ripens  in  September,  and  the  flesh 
separates  clear  from  the  stone.  The  tree,  which  grows  vigorously,  ori- 
ginated with  Mr.  Hooker,  Kent,  England. 

DOWNING'S  EMERALD  DROP.  A  beautiful  clinkstone  Plum  of  medium 
size,  oblong  form,  and  green  colour;  flesh  firm  and  of  delicious  flavour; 
this  variety  originated  at  the  Nursery  of  A.  J.  Downing  &  Co.,  Newburgh, 
State  of  New  York. 

DOWNTON  IMPERATRICE.  A  superior  late  Plum,  of  medium  size, 
shaped  similar  to  the  blue  imperatrice  ;  skin  dark  yellow,  and  very  thin  ; 
the  flesh  yellow,  soft,  juicy,  with  a  high  flavoured  acidity  ;  at  perfection  in 
October  and  November. 

DRAP  D'OR,  Cloth  of  Gold,  Myrabelle  Double.  Yellow  Perdrigon  of 
Winter  <$•  Co.  A  small  freestone  Plum,  of  a  roundish  form,  and  bright 
yellow  colour,  marbled  with  red  ;  flesh  yellow,  tender;  juice  sugary  and 
excellent;  ripe  in  July  and  August. 

DUANE'S  FRENCH  PURPLE,  Dame  Aubert  Violet.  Purple  Magnum 
Bonum  and  Purple  Egg  of  some  collections.  A  very  superior  clingstone 
Plum,  of  large  size,  and  oblong  form  ;  the  skin  dark  purple;  flesh  sweet, 
juicy,  rich  and  excellent;  ripe  in  September.  This  variety,  from  being 
imported  by  Mr.  Duane,  of  New  York,  was  named  after  him,  as  he  had  lost 
the  original  name. 

EARLY  OHLKANS,  New  Orleans,  Early  Monsieur,  Monsieur  Hatif.  A 
fine  freestone  plum,  above  medium  size;  form  round;  its  sature  deep; 
colour  dark  purple,  covered  with  a  fine  bloom ;  flesh  greenish  yellow,  of 
excellent  flavour  ;  sweet,  combined  with  a  pleasant  acid ;  it  ripens  in 
August. 

EARLY  TOURS,  Precose  de  Tours,  Early  Violet.  The  tree  is  vigorous 
and  fertile;  fruit  small,  oval,  dark  purple  covered  with  fine  bloom;  flesh 
greenish  yellow,  tender,  juicy,  and  of  very  agreeable  flavour;  one  of  the 
best  early  varieties,  and  very  productive  ;  ripe  at  the  end  of  July. 

ELFRY.  French  Cooper  of  Prince.  A  native  clingstone  Plum,  highly 
esteemed  in  Pennsylvania  and  New-Jersey  for  its  productiveness  and 
other  good  qualities ;  the  fruit  is  below  medium  size,  of  oblong  shape  and 
dark  blue  colour;  flesh  firm,  very  rich  and  delicious  ;  in  September. 

GERMAN  PRUNE,  Prune  d'Albmagne,  Damas  Gros,  Quetsche,  Quetzen. 
The  fruit  of  the  Quetsche  Plum  is  grown  for  the  purpose  of  drying,  and  is 
considered  the  best  for  use  as  prunes  ;  fruit  below  the  middle  size  ;  of  an 
oval  figure ;  skin  red  and  purple  ;  flesh  yellow  ;  juice  sweet,  with  a  slight 
acid  ;  ripe  early  in  September. 

GOLIATH,  Goliah,  St.  Cloud,  Caledonian.  Wilmofs  late  Orleans.  This 
fruit  is  very  large,  sometimes  weighing  four  ounces;  the  skin  is  a  deep 
reddish  purple  ;  the  flesh  pale  yellow,  firm,  and  well  flavoured,  but  not 
rich,  slightly  adhering  to  the  stone  ;  the  tree  is  a  great  bearer,  and  the  fruit 
is  much  used  for  cooking  ;  ripe  in  September. 


128  DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OF    PLUMS. 

GREEN  GAGE,  Great  Queen  Claude,  Dauphine,  Grosse  Reine  Claude, 
Abricot  Vert,  Verte  Bonne,  Gros  Damas  Vert.  A  middle  sized  round 
fruit,  of  a  5'ellowish  green  colour,  and  purplish  russetty  red  next  the  sun  ; 
the  flesh  is  of  a  greenish  hue,  melting,  wiih  an  abundance  of  very  sweet  and 
highly  perfumed  juice,  of  an  exquisite  taste  ;  it  arrives  at  maturity  toward 
the  end  of  August. 

HORSE  PLUM,  Large  Sweet  Damton.  Fruit  of  medium  size,  oval, 
with  a  deep  sature  in  the  middle ;  skin  dark  red,  inclining  to  purple  when 
ripe  ;  flesh  greenish  yellow ;  juice  acid  but  agreeable.  Quantities  of 
these  Plums  are  sold  in  the  New-York  markets  in  August  and  September, 
for  sweetmeats.  The  trees  are  generally  raised  from  suckers;  and  Peaches, 
Apricots,  and  Nectarines,  will  bud  and  thrive  well  on  such  stocks. 

HUF.ING'S  SUPERB,  Keysets  Plum.  This  Plum  is  of  monstrous  size, 
and  has  been  known  to  weigh  nearly  four  ounces ;  it  is  of  roundish  form, 
and  of  a  greenish  yellow  colour  ;  the  flesh  is  sweet  and  excellent.  It  was 
raised  from  seed  by  Mr.  TCeyser,  of  Pennsylvania,  and  brought  into  notice 
by  Dr.  Wm.  Hulings,  of  that  State. 

IMPERATRICE,  Imperatrice  Violette,  Blue  Imperatrice.  Simiana  of 
some  collections.  One  of  the  best  of  late  clingstone  Plums  ;  fruit  medium 
size,  oval  ;  skin  rich  deep  purple,  covered  with  bloom  ;  flesh  yellowish 
green,  a  little  firm,  very  sweet,  rich  and  juicy  ;  the  fruit  hangs  long  on  the 
tree,  and  is  at  maturity  in  October  and  November. 

IMPERIAL  DIADEM,  Red  Imperial,  Red  Diaper.  A  fine  fruit,  admira- 
bly adapted  for  culinary  purposes  ;  shape  oval  ;  colour  pale  red,  but  dark 
when  mature  ;  flesh  yellow,  and  separates  from  the  stone  ;  juice  plentiful 
when  perfectly  ripe,  which  is  early  in  September  ;  it  is  of  good  flavour, 
and  highly  perfumed. 

ITALIAN  DAMASK,  Damas  (f  Italic.  This  fruit  is  of  medium  size,  nearly 
round,  a  little  flattened  at  the  base  ;  its  colour  blue  or  violet,  and  covered 
with  a  purple  bloom  ;  its  flesh  is  yellow,  rich,  and  juicy,  and  the  tree, 
which  matures  its  fruit  in  August,  is  very  productive. 

KIRKK'S  PLUM.  This  variety  is  said  to  be  as  hardy  and  prolific  as  the 
Orleans,  as  handsome  as  the  Damask,  and  as  good  as  the  Green  Gage  ;  fruit 
large,  roundish  ;  skin  covered  with  a  close,  firm,  azure  bloom,  through 
which  appears  a  few  golden  specks ;  flesh  greenish  yellow,  firm,  juicy  and 
rich  ;  in  perfection  the  early  part  of  September. 

LA  ROYALE,  Royale.  A  large  and  excellent  freestone  Plum,  of  a  homely 
dull  red  colour,  but  concealed  by  a  thick  violet  or  azure  bloom  ;  flesh  fine, 
yellowish  green,  firm,  juicy,  high  flavoured  and  delicious  ;  a  superior 
Plum  ;  at  maturity  early  in  September. 

LATE  PURPLE  DAMSON,  Purple  Winter  Damson,  Blue  Damascene,  Blue 
Damson.  This  variety  is  in  great  esteem  for  preserves,  and  generally 
commands  a  high  price.  It  is  of  a  dark  purple  colour,  covered  with  bloom  ; 
the  flesh  has  rather  too  much  acidity  for  a  table  fruit,  but  this  tartness 
gives  it  an  agreeable  flavour  when  cooked,  and  if  the  fruit  remains  on  the 
tree  until  November,  it  becomes  sweet. 

LAWRENCE  GAGE,  Lawrence's  Favourite.  A  large  round  freestone 
Plum,  of  a  yellowish  green  colour,  tinged  with  red  ;  flesh  firm,  and  of  deli- 
cious flavour,  similar  to  the  Green  Gage.  The  tree  is  very  fertile,  and  yields 
an  abundance  of  fruit  in  August  and  September. 

LUCOMBE'S  NONSUCH.     This  Plum  is  large,  compressed  at  the  summit 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OP    PLUMS.  129 

and  base ;  its  breadth  is  two  inches ;  its  colour  at  maturity,  as  well  as  its 
form,  resemble  the  Green  Gage,  but  more  streaked  with  yellow;  flesh  firm, 
rich  and  juicy  ;  at  maturity  in  August ;  tree  a  good  bearer. 

MIMM'S,  Minim's  Plum,  Diaper  Rougue.  The  fruit  is  very  large,  a 
little  oblong  ;  colour  bright  purple,  covered  with  thick  bloom  ;  its  flesh, 
which  separates  from  the  stone,  is  yellowish  green,  tender,  juicy,  and  very 
agreeably  flavoured  ;  ripe  in  September. 

MOROCCO,  Early  Black,  Damask,  Black  Damascus,  Black  Morocco,  Early 
Damusk,  Early  Morocco.  This  is  considered  one  of  the  best  of  early 
Plums.  The  tree  is  very  hardy  and  productive ;  fruit  middle  -  izcd, 
roundish ;  skin  deep  blackish  purple,  covered  with  a  light  blue  bloom  ; 
flesh  greenish  yellow,  juicy,  rich,  and  high  flavoured;  ripe  early  in  August. 

NECTARINE  PLUM,  Caledonian,  HowelCx  L'irge,  Prune  Pecket  Jenkin'* 
Imperial.  One  of  the  most  beautiful  Plums  known  ;  large,  nearly  round  ; 
the  skin  at  maturity  varies  from  red  to  crimson,  covered  with  azure  bloom; 
flesh  yellowish,  coarse  grained,  astringent ;  juice  abundant,  and  of  a  mild, 
pleasant  flavour  ,  at  maturity  in  July  and  early  in  August. 

NEW-YORK  PURPLE,  BrcworCs  Purple  Bolmar,  Brevoorfs  Purple 
Washington.  An  excellent  fruit,  raised  from  a  see. I  of  Bolmar's  Washing- 
ton Plum,  that  had  been  impregnated  with  the  pollen  of  the  blue  Gage. 
The  fruit  is  very  large ;  skin  brown  red,  covered  with  purple  bloom  ;  flesh 
yellow,  of  a  rich  and  brisk  flavour,  and  adheres  to  the  stone ;  ripe  towards 
the  end  of  August. 

OCTOBER  GAGE,  Front  Gage.  A  beautiful  native  fruit,  a  drawing  of 
which  has  been  taken  from  nature,  and  may  be  found  in  "Hoffy'sOrchard- 
ist's  Companion."  Fruit  of  medium  size ;  form  oblong ;  colour  dark 
brownish  purple,  covered  with  a  black  bloom  ;  flesh  firm  and  juicy  ;  (la- 
vour  sprightly  and  agreeable  ;  ripe  early  in  October. 

ORLEANS  PLUM,  Red  Damask,  Damas  Rouge,  Monsieur.  A  well 
known  and  productive  Plum ;  of  medium  size,  and  somewhat  oval  form  ; 
the  skin  is  dark  red,  approaching  to  purple,  with  a  thin  blue  bloom  ; 
flesh  yellow,  firm  and  good,  separating  freely  from  the  stone ;  ripe  in  August. 

POND'S  PURPLE,  PvntCs  Seedling.  A  large  round  purple  clingstone  Plum, 
a  native  of  Massachusetts  ;  it  is  of  peculiar  rich  flavour,  not  apt  to  crack, 
and  is  well  adapted  for  the  markets.  The  tree  bears  wonderful  crops, 
which  ripen  in  August. 

PRINCE'S  IMPERIAL  GAGE,  Flushing  Gage,  Superior  Green  Gage,  White. 
Gage.  This  tree  was  originated  at  the  Flushing  nursery,  from  a  seed  of 
the  Green  Gage  The  fruit  is  one  of  the  finest  of  its  class ;  the  skin  at  ma- 
turity is  yellow,  with  a  whitish  bloom  ;  the  flesh  is  rich,  luscious,  and  of 
excellent  flavour.  It  makes  fine  preserves,  if  gathered  toward  the  end  of 
August ;  at  maturity  in  September. 

PRIMCK'S  ORANGE  EGG-  A  large  splendid  orange  coloured  clingstone 
Plum,  of  oval  form,  and  of  peculiarly  rich  flavour;  ripe  in  August.  The 
tree  yields  abundant  crops  of  truly  beautiful  fruit,  which  is  never  attacked 
by  insects,  as  many  kinds  are. 

PRUNE  SUISSE,  Simiana,  Prune  tfAttesse,  Monsieur  Tardif.  Swiss  Prune. 
Fruit  very  handsome,  round,  flattened;  colour  varying  from  bright  amber 
to  deep  red,  and  covered  with  azure  bloom  ;  flesh  yellow,  delicious,  melting, 
and  closely  adheres  to  the  stone ;  juice  very  abundant  An  excellent 
fruit ;  ripening  in  September. 


130  DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OF    P1UM3. 

PURPLE  GAGE,  Blue  Gage,  Reine  Claude  V'olette,  Die  Violette,  Konigin 
Claudia.  This  fruit  is  of  medium  size,  almost  round,  and  may  be  con- 
sidered as  one  of  the  finest  varieties ;  its  skin  is  of  a  violet  purple  colour, 
with  pale  yellow  dots,  and  covered  with  a  light  blue  bloom  ;  flesh  greenish 
amber,  rich,  saccharine,  and  high  flavoured :  at  maturity  in  August,  and 
good  until  October. 

QUEEN  VICTORIA,  Sharp's) Emperor,  Dennyer's  Victoria.  An  excellent 
freestone  Plum,  as  large  as  the  Red  Magnum  Bonuni;  of  a  roundish  oval 
form,  and  red  colour,  covered  with  a  fine  bloom ;  the  flesh  is  firm,  rich, 
juicy,  and  delicious.  The  tree  grows  very  strong,  and  yields  abundant 
crops  in  September. 

RED  DIAPER,  Diapree  Rouge,  Roche  Corbon.  One  of  the  most  beau- 
tiful Plums  known;  form  oval,  above  medium  size;  colour  bright  red; 
flesh  greenish  yellow,  soft  and  sweet,  separating  from  the  stone ;  the  fruit 
makes  excellent  prunes,  if  gathered  early  in  September,  and  like  the  Impe- 
ratrice,  will  hang  some  time  on  the  tree. 

RED  MAGNUM  BORUM,  Red  Imperial,  Imperial  Violette  of  the  French. 
Purple  Egg  of  Prince  and  others.  A  lar^e,  oval  Plum,  of  deep  red  colour, 
covered  with  blue  bloom  ;  the  flesh,  which  parts  from  the  stone,  is  harsh 
and  acid ;  consequently  good  for  cooking,  preserves,  &c.;  in  September 
and  October. 

RED  PERDRIGON,  Perdrigon  Rouge.  An  excellent  Plum,  of  the  first  class; 
of  medium  size,  oval  shape,  and  fine  red  colour,  with  gold  coloured  dots, 
and  a  fine  bloom;  flesh  bright  yellow,  transparent,  and  separates  from  the 
stone ;  juice  sweet  and  delicious ;  ripe  early  in  September.  It  makes 
excellent  prunes,  not  inferior  to  the  White  Perdrigon. 

RED  QUEEN  MOTHER.  The  Plum  is  of  medium  size,  its  colour  bright 
red  and  yellow,  somewhat  spotted,  and  covered  with  pale  bloom ;  its  flesh 
is  yellow,  sweet  and  excellent,  ripening  early  in  September.  A  very  pro- 
ductive variety,  and  highly  deserving  of  cultivation. 

ROYAL  DE  TOURS.  The  tree  is  of  extraordinary  vigorous  growth  ;  its 
principal  st^m  rises  vertically  ;  the  fruit  is  globular,  of  medium  size;  red 
violet  colour,  and  covered  with  azure  bloom ;  flesh  yellow,  fine,  good ;  juice 
abundant  and  sweet :  ripens  early  in  August. 

SAINT  CATHARINE.  A  medium  sized,  oblong  frnit;  skin  bright  gold 
colour,  spotted  with  red  at  maturity,  and  covered  with  bloom  ;  flesh  yel- 
low, tender,  sweet,  and  fine  flavour ;  ripens  early  in  September,  and  will 
hang  some  time  on  the  tree.  A  good  market  Plum,  for  which  purpose  it  is 
much  cultivated. 

SMITH'S  ORLEANS.  This  variety  is  held  in  great  esteem  as  a  market 
fruit ;  the  trees  are  free  from  gum  and  insects,  and  yields  abundant  crops 
of  large  freestone  Plums,  of  an  oval  form  and  purple  colour.  The  fruit 
ripens  gradually  in  September. 

SURPASSE  MONSIEUR.  A  large  fruit,  of  oval  form,  and  of  a  dark  red 
purplish  colour,  raised  by  a  Mr.  Noisette  ;  it  is  said  to  be  more  beautiful 
and  perfumed  than  the  Monsieur,  and  the  tree  yields  suckers,  which  pro- 
duce fruit  in  all  their  beauty  and  excellence  ;  in  September. 

VIRGIN  ALE,  White  Virginal.  This  fruit  ranks  among  the  best  of 
Plums  ;  its  shape  is  round  ;  colour  yellowish,  touched  with  violet  or  rose, 
and  covered  with  dense  bloom ;  flesh  melting,  juice  abundant,  and  very 
•greeable ;  it  adheres  to  the  stone  j  ripe  in  September. 


QUINCE.  131 

WASHINGTON,  New  Washington,  Bolmar's  Washington,  Franklin.  A 
very  large,  globular  Plum,  inclining  to  oval;  colour  greenish  yellow,  with 
crimson  specks,  covered  with  a  rich  bloom.  This  Plum  has  somet  tries 
weighed  over  four  ounces  ;  its  flesh  is  yellow,  firm,  sweet  and  delicious ; 
in  August.  This  variety  originated  in  New-York,  from  suckers  of  an  old 
root,  the  tree  of  which  had  been  some  time  previously  destroyed  by  light- 
ning. 

WHITE  MAGNUM  BONUM,  Yellow  Magnum  Bonum,  Gros  Luisante,  Im- 
periale  Blanche,  Egg  Plum,  White  Mogul,  White  Holland.  This  fruit  is 
of  extraordinary  size,  oval ;  yellow,  covered  with  pale  bloom  ;  the  flesh  yel- 
low, firm,  closely  adhering  to  the  stone  ;  excellent  for  cooking  and  pre- 
serves ;  in  September. 

WHITE  PERDRIGON,  Perdrigon  Blanc.  A  middle  sized,  oblong  fruit,  of  a 
pale  yellow,  with  red  spots,  and  covered  with  white  bloom  ;  flesh  yellow, 
rich,  saccharine  and  juicy,  separating  from  the  stone;  it  ripens  in  August 
and  September. 


QUINCE. 
COIGNASSIER.     Cydonia. 

THE  Quince  is  of  low  growth,  much  branched,  and  gene- 
rally crooked  and  distorted.  The  leaves  are  roundish,  or 
ovate,  entire,  above  dusky  green,  underneath  whitish,  on 
short  petioles.  The  flowers  are  large,  white,  or  pale  red, 
and  appear  in  May  and  June  ;  the  fruit,  a  pome,  varying 
in  shape  in  the  different  varieties,  globular,  oblong,  or  ovate; 
it  has  a  peculiar  arid  rather  disagreeable  smell,  and  austere 
taste.  The  fruit  takes  its  name  from  being  a  native  of  the 
ancient  town  of  Cydon,  in  the  Island  of  Crete  ;  some  sup- 
pose it  to  be  a  corruption  of  .Mains  colonea,  by  which  the 
Latins  designated  the  fruit.  It  is  used  as  a  marmalade  for 
flavouring  apple  pies,  and  makes  an  excellent  sweetmeat ; 
and  it  has  the  advantage  over  many  other  fruits  for  keeping, 
if  properly  managed. 

Of  the  several  sorts,  the  following  are  in  greatest  esteem  : 
1.  The  oblong,  or  Pear  Quince,  with  ovate  leaves,  and  an 
oblong  fruit  lengthened  at  the  base.  2.  The  Apple  Quince, 
with  ovate  leaves,  arid  a  rounder  fruit.  3.  The  Portugal 
Quince,  the  fruit  of  which  is  more  juicy  and  less  harsh  than 


132  RASPBERRY. 

the  preceding,  and  therefore  the  most  valuable.  It  is  rather 
a  shy  bearer,  but  is  highly  esteemed,  as  the  pulp  has  the 
property  of  assuming  a  fine  purple  tint  in  the  course  of  being 
prepared  as  a  marmalade.  4.  The  mild  or  eatable  Quince, 
being  less  austere  and  astringent  than  the  others.  5.  The 
Orange  Quince,  a  very  handsome  fruit  of  peculiar  rich  fla 
vour.  6.  The  Musk  or  Pine  Apple  Quince,  very  large  and 
beautiful. 

The  Quince  produces  the  finest  fruit  when  planted  in  a 
soft,  moist  soil,  and  rather  shady,  or  at  least  sheltered  situa 
tion.  It  is  generally  propagated  by  layers,  and  also  by  cut- 
tings, and  approved  sorts  may  be  perpetuated  by  grafting. 
In  propagating  for  stocks,  nothing  more  is  necessary  than 
to  remove  the  lower  shoots  from  the  layer,  so  as  to  preserve 
a  clear  stem  as  high  as  the  graft;  but  for  fruit-bearing 
trees,  it  is  necessary  to  train  the  stem  to  a  rod,  till  it  has 
attained  four  or  five  feet  in  height,  and  can  suppoit  itself 
upright. 

When  planted  in  an  orchard,  the  trees  may  be  placed  ten 
or  twelve  feet  apart.  The  time  of  planting,  the  mode  of 
bearing,  and  all  the  other  particulars  of  culture,  are  the 
same  as  for  the  Apple  and  Pear.  The  chief  pruning  they 
lequire,  is  to  keep  them  free  from  suckers,  and  cut  out 
decayed  wood. 


RASPBERRY. 
FRAMBOISIER.     Rubus,  etc. 

THERE  are  several  species  of  the  Rubus  found  wild  in 
various  parts  of  Asia,  Europe,  and  America,  some  of  which 
have  upright  stems,  others  prostrate ;  the  American  Stone 
Bramble,  and  also  the  common  Blackberry,  Dewberry, 
Cloudberry,  &c.  are  of  this  family.  The  Rnbus  idaeus,  or 
common  Raspberry,  grows  spontaneously  in  the  province  of 


RASPBERRY.  133 

New  Brunswick,  and  in  various  parts  of  the  United  States, 
but  most  of  the  cultivated  varieties  are  supposed  to  have 
originated  in  England.  Loudon  describes  the  true  Rasp- 
berry as  having  "stems  which  are  suffructicose,  upright, 
rising  to  the  height  of  several  feet,  and  are  biennial  in  du- 
ration ;  but  the  root  is  perennial,  producing  suckers  which 
ripen  and  drop  their  leaves  one  year,  and  resume  their 
foliage,  produce  blossom  shoots,  flower,  and  fruit,  and  die 
the  next.  The  leaves  are  quinate-pinnate ;  the  flowers 
come  in  panicles  from  the  extremity  of  the  present  year's 
shoots ;  they  are  white,  appear  in  May  and  June,  and  the 
fruit  forms  about  a  fortnight  afterward." 

The  fruit  is  grateful  to  most  palates,  as  nature  presents 
it,  but  sugar  improves  the  flavour ;  accordingly  it  is  much 
esteemed  when  made  into  sweetmeats,  and  for  jams,  tarts, 
and  sauces.  It  is  fragrant,  sub-acid,  and  cooling;  allays 
heat  and  thirst.  It  is  much  used  in  distilling.  "  Raspberry 
syrup  is  next  to  the  Strawberry  in  dissolving  the  tartar  of 
the  teeth  ;  and  as,  like  that  fruit,  it  does  not  undergo  the 
acetous  fermentation  in  the  stomach,  it  is  recommended  to 
gouty  and  rheumatic  patients." 

Nicol  enumerates  twenty-three  species  and  varieties  of  the 
cultivated  Raspberry,  and  twenty-one  of  the  Rubus  ronce,  or 
Bramble  ;  in  the  latter  is  included  the  American  Red  and 
Black  Raspberry,  the  Long  Island  and  Virginian  Raspber- 
ry ;  also  the  Ohio  Ever-Bearing,  and  the  Pennsylvania 
Raspberry.  The  English  varieties  are,  early  Small  White; 
Large  White;  Large  Red;  most  Large  Red  Antwerp ;  Large 
Yellow  Antwerp  ;  Cane,  or  smooth-stalked ;  Twice-bearing 
White;  Twice-bearing  Red;  Smooth  Cane,  twice-bearing; 
Woodward's  Raspberry;  Monthly,  or  Four  Season;  Dwarf 
Red  Cane;  Victoria  Raspberry;  Large  Red  Franconia; 
Mason's  Red  Cluster;  McKeen's  Scarlet  Prolific;  Chili 
Red;  Cornish  Red;  Cox's  Honey;  Brentford  Red ;  Brent- 
ford White;  Flesh-coloured;  Barnet  Redj  Bromley  Hill; 


134  RASPBERRY. 

Cretan  Red;   Prolific  Red;  Canada  Purple;   Rose-flower- 
ing, &c. 

The  varieties  can  be  perpetuated  by  young  sucker  shoots, 
rising  plenteously  from  the  root  in  spring  and  summer; 
when  these  have  completed  one  season's  growth,  they  are 
proper  to  detach  with  roots  for  planting,  either  in  the  autumn 
of  the  same  year,  or  the  next  spring,  in  March  or  early  in 
April.  These  new  plants  will  bear  some  fruit  the  first  year, 
and  furnish  a  succession  of  strong  bottom  shoots  for  full 
bearing  the  second  season.  New  varieties  are  raised  from 
seed,  and  they  come  into  bearing  the  second  year.  Some 
of  the  American  species  are  cultivated  by  layers,  which  pro- 
duce fruit  the  same  year. 

Raspberry  beds  are  in  their  prime  about  the  third  and 
fourth  year;  and,  if  well  managed,  continue  in  perfection 
five  or  six  years,  after  which  they  are  apt  to  decline  in 
growth,  and  the  fruit  to  become  small,  so  that  a  successive 
plantation  should  be  provided  in  time.  Select  new  plants 
from  vigorous  stools  in  full  perfection  as  to  bearing.  Be 
careful  to  favour  the  twice  bearers  with  a  good  mellow  soil, 
in  a  sheltered  situation,  in  order  that  the  second  crop  may 
come  to  perfection. 

When  Raspberries  are  cultivated  on  a  large  scale,  it  is 
best  to  plant  them  in  beds  by  themselves,  in  rows  from 
three  to  five  feet  apart,  according  to  the  kinds.  In  small 
gardens,  they  may  be  planted  in  detached  stools,  or  in  single 
rows,  in  different  parts  of  the  garden,  from  the  most  sunny 
to  the  most  shady  aspect,  for  earJy  and  late  fruit  of  improved 
growth  and  flavour.  It  is  requisite  to  cut  out  the  dead 
btems  early  in  the  spring,  and  to  thin  and  regulate  the  suc- 
cessional  young  shoots ;  at  the  same  time,  the  shoots  re- 
tained should  be  pruned  at  the  top,  below  the  weak  bending 
part,  and  some  rotten  dung  worked  in  around  the  roots  of 
the  plants.  Keep  them  clear  of  weeds  during  the  summer, 
by  hoeing  between  the  rows;  at  the  same  time  eradicate  all 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OP    RASPBERRIES.  135 

superfluous  suckers,  but  be   careful   to   retain  enough   for 
stock  in  succeeding  years. 

The  Antwerp  and  other  tender  varieties  of  the  Raspberry 
are  liable  to  be  more  or  less  injured  by  the  severity  of  our 
•winters;  to  prevent  which,  they  should  be  protected  by 
bending  them  down  to  the  ground  late  in  autumn,  and 
covering  them  with -earth  five  or  six  inches,  sloping  it  off  so 
as  to  prevent  injury  from  rain  or  snow. 


SELECT  DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  RASPBERRIES. 

A  MKRIC  AN  BLACK.  Black  Cap.  This  fruit  is  of  smallish  size,  and  ripens 
j  June  and  July.  It  is  a  favourite  with  some. 

AMERICAN  RED,  English  Red,  Common  Red.  This  variety  is  much 
cultivated  for  the  market.  The  fruit  ripens  in  June  and  July,  successively. 

ANTWERP  RED  Large  Red  Antwerp,  Huw land's  Red  Antwerp,  Hurley. 
This  species  is  rather  tender,  on  which  account  the  branches  must  be  bent 
down  in  autumn,  and  covered  with  soil.  See  Calendar.  Th'e  fruit  is  large 
and  beautiful,  of  delicious  flavour,  and  quite  fragrant ;  in  June  and  July. 

ANTWERP  WHITE,  Yellaw  Antwerp.  This  is  also  tender  or  half  hardy, 
but  very  prolific ;  the  fruit  is  large,  of  a  pale  yellow  colour,  and  much 
esteemed.  It  ripens  in  June  and  July. 

BARNET,  Cornwallis  Prolific,  Lord  Exmoutfi,  Large  Red.  This  is  con- 
sidered a  first-rate  fruit,  and  yields  abundantlj';  in  June  and  July. 

BEE  HIVE.  A  new  variety,  introduced  by  Messrs.  Winter  &  Co.,  of  the 
Linnaean  Botanic  Garden,  Flushing.  The  fruit  is  large,  of  round  shape 
and  red  colour ;  ripe  in  July. 

CORNISH,  Large  Cornish.  A  hardy  and  highly  productive  variety, 
yielding  an  abundance  of  Re.l  Berries  in  June  and  July. 

DOUBLE  BEARING  RED,  Twice  Bearing.  This  species  is  very  prolific, 
producing  its  first  crop  in  July,  and  another  in  October. 

FLESH  COLOURED,  Framboisier  couleur  de  chair.  A  new  variety,  im- 
ported by  W.  R.  Prince  &  Co..  from  France.  It  is  described  as  an  highly 
flavoured  and  much  esteemed  fruit. 

FRANCONIA,  Red  Franconia.  This  variety  is  in  preat  repute  for  its 
productiveness  and  the  fineness  of  its  fruit,  which  ripens  gradually  in  July. 

MONTHLY  OR  FOUR  SEASONS,  Perpetual  Bearing.  This  species,  if 
planted  in  a  shady  situation,  will  produce  successional  crops  throughout 
the  summer. 

RED  TALL  CANE.  There  are  several  species  of  the  Cane  Raspberry, 
some  of  which  are  worthless.  The  Tall  Red  Cane  produces  fine  fruit  in 
July  and  August,  and  very  frequently  in  autumn. 

VICTORIA.  This  Queen  of  Raspberries  has  been  imported  by  VV.  R. 
Prince,  and  plants  are  offered  for  sale  at  his  nursery  at  Flushing,  for  twen- 
ty-five cents  each. 


136  STRAWBERRY. 

STRAWBERRY. 
FRAISIER.     Fragaria. 

THIS  is  a  genus  of  fruit-bearing  herbaceous  plants,  of 
which  there  are  few  in  the  vegetable  kingdom  that  can 
equal  the  Strawberry  in  wholesomeness  and  excellence. 
The  fruit  is  supposed  to  receive  its  name  from  the  ancient 
practice  of  laying  straw  between  the  rows,  which  keeps  the 
ground  moist  and  the  fruit  clean.  They  are  natives  of  tem- 
perate, or  cold  climates,  as  of  Europe  and  America.  The 
fruit,  though  termed  a  berry,  is,  in  correct  botanical  lan- 
guage, a  fleshy  receptacle,  studded  with  seeds.  It  is  univer- 
sally grateful  alone,  or  with  sugar,  cream,  or  wine,  and  has 
the  property,  so  valuable  for  acid  stomachs,  of  not  under- 
going the  acetous  fermentation.  Physicians  concur  in 
placing  Strawberries  in  their  small  catalogue  of  pleasant 
remedies;  as  having  properties  which  render  them,  in  most 
conditions  of  the  animal  frame,  positively  salutary ;  they 
dissolve  the  tartareous  incrustations  of  the  teeth,  and  pro- 
mote perspiration.  Persons  afflicted  with  the  gout  have 
found  relief  from  using  them  very  largely ;  so  have  patients 
in  case  of  the  stone ;  and  Hoffman  states,  that  he  has  known 
consumptive  people  cured  by  them.  The  bark  of  the  root 
is  astringent. 

In  cultivating  the  Strawberry,  an  open  situation  and  rich 
loamy  soil,  rather  strong,  is  required  for  most  varieties;  and 
from  their  large  mass  of  foliage  and  flowers,  they  must,  till 
the  fruit  is  set,  have  copious  supplies  of  water.  The  row 
culture  is  best  calculated  to  produce  fruit;  and  frequent 
renewal  insures  vigorous  plants,  as  well  as  large  fruit.  Some 
plant  them  in  single  rows,  from  twelve  to  eighteen  inches 
apart,  according  to  the  sorts ;  others  form  a  bed  with  four 
rows.  If  several  beds  be  intended,  a  space  of  two  or  three 
feet  may  be  left  between  each  bed  as  a  path ;  and  in  the 
second  or  third  season,  the  paths  may  be  manured  and  dug 


STRAWBERRY.  13? 

to  admit  of  the  runners  taking  root;  by  this  means,  a 
renewal  may  be  made  so  often,  arid  the  old  stools  being 
taken  away,  leaves  spaces  between  the  beds  as  before.  Or 
new  plantations  may  be  made  every  season;  because,  after 
the  roots  are  fairly  established,  they  multiply  spontaneously, 
as  well  by  suckers  from  the  parent  stem,  as  by  numerous 
runners;  all  of  which,  rooting  and  forming  a  plant  at  every 
joint,  require  only  removal  to  a  spot  where  there  is  room 
for  them  to  flourish.  If  taken  off,  and  planted  in  rows  in 
August  and  September,  they  will  produce  fine  fruit  the  fol- 
lowing season,  and  will  bear  in  full  perfection  the  second 
summer;  some,  however,  prefer  spring  planting,  which 
answers  very  well,  if  done  in  damp  weather. 

A  plantation  of  the  Alpine  yields  fruit  the  same  year  that 
it  is  made.  The  Wood  and  the  Alpine  are  often  cultivated 
from  seed,  which  generally  produces  fine  fruit.  The  other 
species  are  uniformly  propagated  by  offsets,  except  the  inten- 
tion be  to  try  for  new  varieties.  The  Alpine  and  Wood 
species  may  be  planted  in  situations  rather  cool  and  shady, 
in  order  that  they  may  produce  their  fruit  late  in  the  season, 
which  is  desirable.  The  Strawberry,  with  a  little  trouble 
of  choosing  a  succession  of  sorts,  may  be  forced  so  as  to  be 
had  at  the  dessert  every  month  in  the  year ;  though,  during 
the  winter  months,  they  have  not  much  flavour. 

Some  gardeners  lay  straw  an  inch  or  two  thick  over  their 
beds  in  March,  and  set  fire  to  it,  in  order  to  promote  a 
etocky  growth  of  plants  and  early  fruit;  others  recommend 
mowing  off  the  tops  of  such  as  are  not  required  to  fruit 
early,  while  they  are  in  blossom,  with  a  view  to  obtain  a 
crop  of  Strawberries  late  in  the  season. 

The  London  Horticultural  Catalogue  contains  the  names 
of  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  varieties  of  all  the  species, 
which  are  classed  according  to  their  nature,  colour,  &c. 
Class  1.  Scarlet  Strawberries;  2.  Black  Strawberries ;  3. 
Pine  Strawberries ;  4.  Chili  Strawberries ;  5.  Hautbois 
Strawberries;  Green  Strawberries;  7.  Alpine  and  Wood 


138  DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OF    STRAWBERRIES. 

Strawberries.  To  select  all  the  most  esteemed  from  this, 
or  any  other  extensive  catalogue,  is  a  difficult  task  ;  the  fol- 
lowing description  of  species  and  varieties  may  serve  to 
direct  the  choice : — 


SELECT  DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  STRAWBERRIES. 

THE  WOOD  STRAWBERRY,  Fragaria  vesea,  with  oval  serrated  leaves  ;  the 
fruit  red  white,  and  green,  which  is  round  and  small.  A  native  of  Britain. 
Some  of  the  varieties  are  in  great  repute,  as  they  are  very  productive,  and 
continue  long  in  l^arinir. 

THE  SCARLET.  Fragaria  Virginiana,  with  leaves  like  the  preceding:;  the 
fruit  roundish  and  scarlet-coloured.  A  native  of  Virginia.  Varieties— 
Methven  Scarlet,  Knight's  Scarlet,  Austrian  Scarlet.  Early  Scarlet,  Wilmot's 
late,  Common  late.  Wilmot's  Early  Scarlet,  &c. 

THE  ROSEBERRV.  Fragaria,  Virg  var.  An  Aberdeen  seedling,  intro- 
duced in  1810.  The  plants  have  few  roundish  leaves,  larger  fruit  than  the 
scarlet,  and  are  very  prolific  ;  continues  bearing  till  August. 

THF.  BLACK  var.  Dvwntun,  Dark  Scarlet  Strawberry,  originated  by  Mr. 
Knight.  The  fruit  is  large,  irregular,  and  cockscomb-like  ;  plant  hardy  and 
prolific. 

THE  CAROLINA,  Fragaria  Carolinenste;  colour  dark  red  ;  a  native  of 
America.  There  are  several  choice  varieties  of  this  fruit,  as — Elton's  Seed- 
ling, Keen's  Seedlins,  Mulberry,  Wilmot's  Black  Imperial,  Blood  Pine, 
North's  Seedling,  Knevet's  Seedling,  &c. 

THE  MUSKY,  OK  HAUTBOIS.  Fragaria  elafiy,  with  oval,  rough,  javelin- 
edged  leaves.  A  native  of  Britain.  Varieties— Black  Hautbois,  White 
Hautbois,  Globe  HautHois.  Conical  Hautbois,  Double  or  Twice  Bearing, 
producing  delicious  fru;t  in  spring  and  autumn. 

THE  CHIM,  Fragaria  ChiHennis,  with  large,  oval,  thick,  hairy  leaves, 
and  large  flowers  ;  th«  fruit  large  and  very  firm  ;  a  native  of  South  Ameri- 
ca. Wilmot's  Suberb.  or  Large  Cockscomb  Scarlet,  Knight's  Seedling,  and 
Green  well's  New  Giant,  are  highly  esteemed  varieties. 

KEEN'S  IMPERIAL,  OR  NEW  CHILI,  Fragaria  Chili  var.,  raised  by  Mr. 
Keen,  of  Isleworth,  a  most  excellent  bearer,  ripening  early.  The  fruit  is 
very  large ;  the  flesh  firm  and  solid,  without  any  separate  core :  colour 
scarlet. 

THE  AT.PINE,  OR  PROLIFIC,  Fragaria  collina,  commonly  lasts  from  June 
till  November,  and  in  mild  seasons  till  near  Christmas  ;  the  varieties  of  this 
fruit  are  red  and  white.  Natives  of  the  Alps  of  Europe. 

THE  ONE-LEAVKD.  Fragaria  monophylla,  the  pulp  of  the  fruit,  pink- 
coloured.  A  native  of  South  America. 

The  following  varieties  have  been  lately  propagated  from 
some  of  the  above  species : — 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OF    STRAWBERRIES.  139 

BISHOP'S  ORANGE,  Bishop's  Globe,  Bishop's  New.  Fruit  large,  of  round- 
isn  or  connical  f.>rui  ;  orange  scarlet  colour,  and  very  delic.ous  flavour ; 
ripe  early  in  July. 

GARNSTONE  SCARLET.  A  fine,  highly  esteemed  scarlet  variety,  of  large 
size,  roundish  form  and  peculiarly  rich  flavour,  which  ripens  early  in 
June. 

ELTON,  Elton  Pine  Strawberry.  Fruit  very  large  ;  form  heart  shaped, 
or  obtusely  conical;  colour  bright  dark  scarlet ;  flesh  firm,  rosy  red;  flavour 
very  rich,  spicy,  aromatic  and  agreeable.  A  beautiful  drawing  of  this  fruit 
is  given  in  "  HofFy's  Orchardist's  Companion,"  from  whence  the  above 
description  was  taken. 

GROVE  END  SCARLET,  Atkinson's  Scarlet.  A  seedling  raised  by  Wm. 
Atkinson,  at  Grove  End,  Marylebone,  in  1820;  fruit  large,  oblate,  of  a 
bright  vermillion  colour,  and  rich  flavour  ;  ripe  by  the  middle  of  June. 

HOVEY'S  SEF.DLING.  This  favourite  variety  was  raised  by  Messrs.  Hovey 
&  Co.,  of  Boston,  in  1834.  Fruit  very  large  ;  form  round,  or  slightly 
ovate,  conical  ;  colour  «leep  shining  red,  paler  in  the  shade  ;  flesh  scarlet, 
and  firm,  abounding  in  an  agreeable  acid,  and  high  flavoured  juice,  not  sur- 
passed by  any  other  variety ;  ripe  early  in  July. 

HUDSON'S  BAY,  American  Scarlet,  Velvet  Scarlet,  Large  Hudson.  Fruit 
large,  of  ovate  form;  represented  by  Mr.  Downing  as  the  best  for  market ; 
early  in  July. 

MONTHLY  RED  ALPINE.  Fruit  of  medium  size,  and  conical  form  ;  con- 
tinues bearing  fruit  moderately  from  June  till  winter. 

MYATT'S  BRITISH  QUEEN.  The  fruit  of  this  celebrated  variety  is  said  to 
be  of  monstrous  size ;  in  form  roundish,  and  in  quality  firsi-rate ;  about 
the  middle  of  July. 

MYATT'S  PINE.  A  medium  sized  fruit  of  ovate  form,  and  very  rich  fla- 
voured; ripening  in  July. 

PRINCE  ALBERT.  A  new  variety  lately  raised  in  London,  represented 
as  a  large  fruit  of  ovate  form,  very  splendid  in  appearance,  and  delicious 
in  flavour  ;  ripe  in  July. 

PRINCE'S  NEW  PINE.  An  excellent  seedling  variety  of  large  size  and 
ovate  form.  Raised  by  Wm.  R.  Prince,  of  Flushing;  ripe  early  in  July. 

ROSEBERRY  MONTEVIDEO,  Montevideo  Early  Scarlet.  An  improved 
American  seedling,  from  the  common  Roseberry  :  of  large  size,  conical 
form,  and  fine  flavour;  ripe  early  in  July. 

SWAINSTONE'S  SEEDLING.  This  variety  is  described  as  large,  ovate,  and 
of  the  very  first  quality,  ripening  one  crop  early  in  June,  and  a  second  crop 
in  autumn. 

VICTORIA,  Higgins's  Seedling.  The  fruit  of  this  variety  is  greatly 
esteemed  :  it  is  extra  large,  of  roundish  form,  and  exquisite  flavour  ;  early 
in  July. 

WARREN'S  SEEDLING,  Warren's  Methven.  This  is  represented  as  a 
peculiar  fruit,  being  of  large  size,  and  in  form  nearly  flat ;  it  is  moreover  of 
I  rich  pine-apple  flavour,  and  yields  abundantly  throughout  the  month  of 
July. 

WHITE  BUSH  ALPINE,  New  White  Alpine.  A  medium  sized  berry,  of 
ovate  form  and  agreeable  flavour :  the  plant  has  no  runners,  and  ripens  its 
fruit  in  June  and  July. 


140  WALNUT. 

All  the  species  and  varieties  of  this  fruit  are  highly  esti- 
mated in  Britain,  where  they  are  cultivated  in  great  perfec- 
tion. Berries  have  been  known  to  weigh  from  one  to  two 
ounces,  which  have  been  grown  to  the  circumference  of 
eight  inches  and  upward.  It  may  be  gratifying  to  the  lovers 
of  this  excellent  fruit  to  be  informed  that  some  of  the  best 
kinds  are  attainable  here.  The  late  Jesse  Buel,  Esq.,  of 
Albany,  informed  us,  in  the  Albany  Argus,  of  June  23, 1830, 
that  he  had  grown  the  Downton,  (a  variety  of  the  Chili, 
crossed  by  Mr.  Knight,)  two  years  in  succession,  4$  inches 
in  circumference.  He  said,  that  "  he  picked  a  pailful  that 
morning  of  the  Methven  Scarlet  Strawberry,  which  had  an 
average  circumference  of  three  inches  each.  Several  mea- 
sured four  inches,  and  one  four  and  a  quarter  inches.  Sixty- 
three,  divested  of  the  calyx,  weighed  a  pound,  which  is  a 
trifle  more  than  four  to  the  ounce."  Several  of  the  choicest 
kinds  have  been  lately  transplanted  from  the  London  Socie- 
ty's Garden  into  the  American  Nurseries,  and  some  fine 
native  seedlings  have  been  lately  propagated,  which  will 
bear  comparison  with  many  of  the  best  foreign  varieties. 


WALNUT 
NOYER.     Juglans. 

FROM  the  circumstance  of  our  having  an  abundance  of  the 
fruit,  from  the  many  species  of  this  genus  of  trees  growing 
spontaneously  around  us,  it  is  presumed  that  the  culture  of 
the  Juglans  regia,  commonly  called  English  Walnut,  or 
Madeira  Nut,  has  been  neglected  by  many  of  our  citizens. 
It  is  a  native  of  Persia,  and  is  cultivated  in  France,  England, 
and  in  other  parts  of  Europe,  both  as  a  fruit  and  timber 
tree.  The  fruit,  in  England,  is  mnch  used  in  a  green  state 
for  pickling,  and  also  as  an  adulteration  of  soy  sauce.  In 
France,  an  oil,  which  supplies  the  place  of  that  of  Almonds, 


WALNUT.  141 

is  made  from  the  kernel.  In  Spain,  they  strew  the  gratings 
of  old  and  hard  nuts,  first  peeled,  into  their  tarts  and  other 
meats.  The  leaves  strewed  on  the  ground,  and  left  there, 
annoy  moles,  or  macerated  in  warm  water,  afford  a  liquor 
which  will  destroy  them.  The  unripe  fruit  is  used  in  medi- 
cine for  the  purpose  of  destroying  worms  in  the  human 
body.  Pliny  says,  "the  more  Walnuts  one  eats,  with  the 
more  ease  will  he  drive  worms  out  of  the  stomach." 

The  timber  is  considered  lighter,  in  proportion  to  its 
strength  and  elasticity,  than  any  other,  and  therefore  com- 
monly used  in  England  for  gun  stocks.  It  is  used  in  cabi- 
net work  in  most  parts  of  Europe  ;  the  young  timber  is 
allowed  to  make  the  finest  coloured  work,  but  the  old  to  be 
finest  variegated  for  ornament.  When  propagated  for  tim- 
ber, the  nut  is  sown  ;  but  when  fruit  is  the  object,  inarching 
from  the  branches  of  fruit- bearing  trees  is  preferable.  Bud- 
ding is  also  practised  by  some ;  the  buds  succeed  best  when 
taken  from  the  base  of  the  annual  shoots ;  ordinary  sized 
buds  from  the  upper  part  of  such  shoots  generally  fail. 

Walnut  trees  that  have  not  been  grafted  or  budded,  may 
be  induced  to  produce  blossoms  by  ringing  the  bark,  that  is, 
cutting  out  a  streak  of  the  bark  around  the  body  or  main 
branches  of  the  tree.  Walnut  trees  seldom  yield  much 
fruit  until  fifteen  or  twenty  years  old ;  it  is  produced  on  the 
extremities  of  the  preceding  year's  shoots.  The  trees  should 
stand  forty  or  fifty  feet  apart,  and  they  may  be  permitted  to 
branch  out  in  their  natural  order.  They  need  but  little 
pruning,  merely  to  regulate  any  casual  disorderly  growth, 
to  reduce  over-extended  branches,  and  to  prune  up  the  low 
stragglers. 

Lest  any  of  our  native  Walnuts  should  be  neglected  or 
abandoned  by  any,  I  annex  a  description  of  the  different 
kinds  : 

Julians  calharticus,  is  known  under  the  name  of  Butter- 
nut. Oilnut,  and  white  Walnut ;  these  nuts  are  used  by  the 
Indians  as  a  medicine. 


142  WALNUT. 

Juglans  nigra,  the  black  Walnut,  is  a  tree  of  large  size ; 
its  fruit  is  known  to  be  excellent. 

Juglans  olivceformis,  Pecan,  or  Illinois  nut,  is  delicious. 
The  nuts  of  Juglans  sulcata,  which  is  called  thick  shell  bark, 
Hickory,  and  Springfield,  and  Gloucester  nut,  are  large  and 
well-tasted.  The  shell  bark  Hickory,  shag  bark,  or  scaly 
bark  Hickory,  Juglans  alba,  is  so  called  on  account  of  its 
bark,  which  is  torn  lengthwise  in  long  loose  strips,  as  in  J. 
sulcata.  The  Juglans  toi*mentosa,  the  Mucker  nut,  white 
heart  Hickory,  or  common  Hickory,  and  most  of  the  other 
kinds  enumerated,  are  worth  preserving;  or  cultivating 
where  there  is  none,  for  its  timber  for  mechanical  purposes ; 
and  that  of  the  Juglans  glabra,  or  Hog  nut,  is  useful  for 
brooms,  &c. 


143 


CALENDAR    AND    INDEX. 


JANUARY. 

THE  clear  icicle  shines  in  the  sun's  faint  beam, 
Congealed  is  the  river,  the  lake,  and  the  stream, 
The  trees  are  all  leafless,  while  sullen  winds  roar, 
And  Nature  benumbed,  seems  her  fate  to  deplore. 

As  the  weather  at  this  season  of  the  year  is  generally 
unfavourable  to  any  employment  in  the  Orchard  or  Fruit 
Garden,  I  cannot  occupy  a  few  pages  more  appropriately 
than  in  directing  the  reader's  attention  to  subjects  connected 
with  improvements  in  the  several  species  and  varieties  of 
Fruits ;  for  it  must  be  admitted  that  there  is  no  kind  of 
fruit,  however  delicious,  that  may  not  be  deteriorated,  or 
however  worthless,  that  may  not  be  ameliorated,  by  particu- 
lar modes  of  management ;  so  that  after  a  given  variety 
shall  have  been  created,  its  merits  may  be  either  elicited  or 
destroyed  by  the  cultivator.  In  this  place  those  practices 
only  need  be  considered  that  tend  to  improvement. 

It  is  an  indubitable  fact,  that  all  our  fruits,  without  excep- 
tion, have  been  so  much  ameliorated  by  various  circum- 
stances, that  they  no  longer  bear  any  resemblance  in  respect 
of  quality  to  their  original.  Who,  for  instance,  would 
recognize  the  wild  parent  of  the  Green  Gage  Plum  in  the 
austere  Sloe,  or  that  of  the  delicious  Pippin  Apples  in  the 
worthless  acid  Crab  1  Or,  what  resemblance  can  be  traced 
between  our  famous  Beurre  Pears,  whose  flesh  is  so  succu- 
lent, lich  and  melting,  and  that  hard,  stony,  astringent  fruit, 
which  even  birds  and  animals  refuse  to  eat  t  Yet  these  are 
undoubted  cases  of  improvement,  resulting  from  time  and 
skill  patiently  and  constantly  in  action.  But  it  would  be  of 
little  service  to  mankind  that  the  quality  of  any  fruit  should 
be  improved,  unless  we  adopt  some  efficient  and  certain 


144  CALENDAR    AND    INDEX. 

mode  of  multiplying  the  individuals  when  obtained  Hence 
there  are  two  great  objects  which  the  cultivator  should  aim 
at,  viz  Amelioration  and  Propagation. 

In  planting  seed  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  improved 
varieties,  care  should  be  taken  not  only  that  the  seed  be 
selected  from  the  finest  existing  kinds,  but  also  that  the 
most  handsome,  the  largest,  and  the  most  perfectly  ripened 
specimens  should  be  those  that  supply  the  seed.  A  seedling 
plant  will  always  partake  more  or  less  of  the  character  of 
its  parent,  the  qualities  of  which  are  concentrated  in  the 
embryo,  when  it  has  arrived  at  full  maturity.  As  this  sub- 
ject has  been  already  discussed  in  the  second  part  of  this 
work,  page  133,  1  shall  direct  the  reader's  attention  to  the 
operation  of  Cross  Fertilization. 

This  is  effected  by  the  action  of  the  pollen  of  one  plant 
upon  the  stigma  of  another.  The  nature  of  this  action  is 
highly  curious.  Pollen  consists  of  extremely  minute  hollow 
balls  or  bodies ;  their  cavity  is  filled  with  fluid,  in  which 
swim  particles  of  a  figure  varying  from  spherical  to  oblong, 
and  having  an  apparently  spontaneous  motion.  The  stigma 
is  composed  of  very  lax  tissue,  the  intercellular  passages  of 
which  have  a  greater  diameter  than  the  moving  particles  of 
the  pollen.  "When  a  grain  of  pollen  comes  in  contact  with 
the  stigma,  it  bursts,  and  discharges  its  contents  among  the 
lax  tissue  upon  which  it  has  fallen.  The  moving  particles 
descend  through  the  tissue  of  the  style,  until  one,  or  some- 
times more,  of  them  finds  its  way,  by  routes  especially  des- 
tined by  nature  for  this  service,  into  a  little  opening  in  the 
integuments  of  the  ovulum  or  young  seed.  Once  deposited 
there,  the  particle  swells,  increases  gradually  in  size,  sepa- 
rates into  radicle  and  cotyledons,  and  finally  becomes  the 
embryo, — the  part  which  is  to  give  birth,  when  the  seed  is 
sown,  to  a  new  individual.  Such  being  the  mode  in  which 
the  pollen  influences  the  stigma,  and  subsequently  the  seed, 
a  practical  consequence  of  great  importance  necessarily  fol- 
lows, viz.,  that  in  all  cases  of  cross  fertilization,  the  new 


CALENDAR    AND    INDEX.  145 

variety  will  take  chiefly  after  its  polliniferous  or  male 
parent ;  and  that  at  the  same  time  it  will  acquire  some  of 
the  constitutional  peculiarities  of  its  mother.  Thus  the  male 
parent  of  the  Downton  Strawberry  was  the  Old  Black,  the 
female  a  kind  of  Scarlet.  In  Coe's  Golden  Drop  Plum,  the 
father  was  the  Yellow  Magnum  Bonum,  the  mother  the 
Green  Gage ;  and  in  the  Elton  Cherry,  the  White  Heart 
was  the  male  parent,  and  the  Graffion  the  female. 

The  limits  within  which  experiments  of  this  kind  must  be 
confined  are,  however,  narrow.  It  seems  that  cross  fertili- 
zation will  not  take  place  at  all,  or  very  rarely,  between  dif- 
ferent species,  unless  these  species  are  nearly  related  to  each 
other :  and  that  the  offspring  of  two  distinct  species  is 
itself  sterile,  or  if  it  possesses  the  power  of  multiplying  itself 
by  seed,  its  progeny  returns  back  to  the  state  of  one  or  other 
of  its  parents.  Hence  it  seldom  or  never  has  happened  that 
domesticated  fruits  have  had  such  an  origin.  We  have  no 
varieties  raised  between  the  Apple  and  the  Pear,  or  the 
Plum  and  Cherry,  or  the  Gooseberry  and  the  Currant.  On 
the  other  hand,  new  varieties  obtained  by  the  intermixture 
of  two  pre-existing  varieties  are  not  less  prolific,  but,  on  the 
contrary,  often  more  so  than  either  of  their  parents :  wit- 
ness the  numerous  sorts  of  Flemish  Pears  which  have  been 
raised  by  cross  fertilization  from  bad  bearers,  within  the  last 
thirty  years,  and  which  are  the  most  prolific- trees  with 
which  gardeners  are  acquainted ;  witness  also  Mr.  Knight's 
Cherries,  raised  between  the  May  Duke  and  the  Graffion, 
and  the  Coe's  Plum  already  mentioned.  It  is  therefore  to 
the  intermixture  of  the  most  valuable  existing  varieties  of 
fruit  that  gardeners  should  trust  for  the  amelioration  of  their 
stock.  By  this  operation  the  Pears  that  are  in  eating  in  the 
spring  have  been  rendered  as  delicious  and  as  fertile  as 
those  of  the  autumn ;  and  there  is  no  apparent  reason  why 
those  very  early,  but  worthless  sorts,  such  as  the  Muscat 
Robert,  which  usher  in  the  season  of  Pears,  should  not  bs 
brought  to  a  similar  state  of  perfection. 


146  CALENDAR   AND    INDEX. 

Lindley  recommends  the  operation  of  cross  fertilization 
to  be  performed  early  in  the  morning  of  a  dry  day ;  about 
sun-rise  is  a  good  time  to  begin,  and  before  the  blossom  is 
entirely  expanded ;  the  pollen  being  at  that  time  humid,  is 
closely  attached  to  the  anthers.  The  blossoms  must  be  care- 
fully opened  and  the  anthers  extracted  by  delicate  scissors, 
care  being  taken  not  to  wound  the  filaments  or  any  other 
part  of  the  flower.  This  being  done,  the  matured  pollen 
from  another  variety  must  be  carefully  placed  on  the  blossom 
which  it  is  intended  to  fertilize,  and  from  which  the  anthers 
have  been  extracted ;  and  this  operation  must  be  repeated 
twice  or  three  times  in  the  course  of  the  day.  By  shaking 
the  blossoms  over  a  sheet  of  white  paper,  the  time  when  it 
is  perfectly  matured  will  be  ascertained.  It  is  necessary  to 
protect  the  prepared  blossom  from  bees  and  other  insects 
with  thin  book-muslin,  or  gauze,  till  a  swelling  is  perceived 
in  the  germ.  When  the  process  has  been  successful,  the 
pollen  which  has  been  placed  on  the  stigma  becomes  so 
attached  that  it  cannot  be  removed  with  a  hair  pencil ;  it 
changes  form  and  colour,  and  soon  disappears,  and  the  blos- 
som will  soon  wither  and  fade ;  but  when  the  process  has 
been  imperfect,  the  pollen  is  easily  detached  from  the  stig- 
ma, its  appearance  is  unaltered,  and  it  remains  visible  with 
the  duration  of  the  flower,  which  will  continue  a  long  time. 

For  further  information  on  these  subjects,  see  Outlines  of 
the  First  Principles  of  Horticulture,  pages  120  to  140  of  the 
second  part  of  this  work. 


CLAENDAR    AND     INDEX.  147 

FEBRUARY. 

Without  'tis  a  desert,  too  bleak  for  a  ram, 
Within  we  have  one — merely  Apples  and  Jam, 
Preserved  for  the  season,  with  skill  and  with  care, 
By  the  hands  of  the  thrifty,  the  good,  and  the  fair ! 

As  the  season  for  pruning  fruit  trees  and  vines  com- 
mences in  the  various  parts  of  our  country  at  different 
periods,  according  to  the  climate,  I  would  submit  a  few 
general  remarks  on  the  subject,  with  a  view  to  prepare  the 
gardener  for  the  performance  of  the  work  in  a  skilful  man- 
ner, and  at  the  proper  season  ;  for  be  it  remembered  that 
untimely  or  injudicious  pruning  may  produce  injury  instead 
of  benefit,  and  in  many  cases  defeat  the  real  object  of  the 
operation. 

Having  given  ample  directions  for  the  cultivation  of  the 
various  species  of  fruit,  I  would  recommend  the  novice  to 
peruse  every  article  before  he  enters  upon  the  work  of  the 
garden  ;  he  will  there  discover  that  no  single  rule  will  apply 
to  every  kind  of  fruit ;  first,  because  the  mode  of  bearing  is 
different  in  almost  every  distinct  species ;  secondly,  because 
the  sap  rises  earlier  and  continues  longer  in  the  branches  of 
some  species  than  in  others ;  and  thirdly,  because  some 
trees,  as  the  Plum  for  instance,  is  apt  to  gum,  if  pruned  too 
soon  in  the  season,  and  the  grape  vine  to  bleed  if  delayed 
too  long.  For  the  above,  and  other  reasons  that  may  be 
given,  the  gardener  should  examine  all  his  fruit  trees  fre- 
quently in  this  month,  with  his  implements  at  hand,  and  if 
circumstances  will  not  admit  of  a  general  pruning,  he  may 
cut  off  dead  branches,  and  clear  trees  from  moss  and  canker, 
also  search  for  the  nests  of  insects,  and  destroy  them  while 
in  a  torpid  state.  This  will  assist  the  natural  efforts  of  the 
trees,  in  cashing  off  the  crude  and  undigested  juices,  which 
if  confined  in  them  will  in  a  short  time  destroy  them,  or 
some  of  their  branches. 

As  soon  as  the  severity  of  the  winter  is  over,  the  hardy 


148  CALENDAR    AND    INDEX. 

and  half  hardy  grape-vines  should  be  judiciously  pruned,  by 
cutting  out  old  branches  which  produced  fruit  the  preceding 
year,  as  well  as  all  superfluous  and  weak  young  shoots, 
leaving  the  strong  summer  shoots  for  bearers  the  coming 
season,  which  should  be  judiciously  trained  as  recommended 
in  articles,  pages  21  and  72. 

In  pruning  all  descriptions  of  trees,  some  general  rules 
may  be  observed.  In  cutting  out  defective  branches, 
prune  close  to  the  healthy  wood,  and  also  shorten  such 
shoots  as  have  been  injured  by  the  winter,  to  the  full  extent, 
or  even  a  few  inches  beyond,  where  damage  has  been  sus- 
tained. 

In  pruning  healthy  young  trees  the  limbs  should  not  be 
too  closely  pruned,  because  this  would  occasion  more  lateral 
shoots  to  put  forth  than  is  beneficial  to  the  tree ;  which,  if 
not  rubbed  off  in  the  summer,  while  quite  young,  and  as  it 
were  herbaceous,  they  will  form  crowded  branches,  which 
may  not  yield  good  fruit.  In  doing  this  disbudding,  how- 
ever, care  must  be  taken  to  leave  shoots  in  a  suitable  direc- 
tion, sufficient  for  the  formation  of  an  open  and  handsome 
head  to  the  tree,  according  to  its  kind. 

It  may  be  observed,  farther,  that  in  the  event  of  young 
trees,  taken  from  the  nursery,  being  deficient  in  fibrous 
roots,  as  is  sometimes  the  case,  close  pruning  may  be  neces- 
sary to  maintain  a  proper  equilibrium  between  the  roots  and 
the  head,  but  it  should  be  borne  in  mind,  that  foliage  is  as 
essential  to  the  maintenance  of  the  roots,  as  roots  are  neces- 
sary to  the  promotion  of  the  growth  of  the  head ;  because 
the  secretion  of  plants  being  formed  in  leaves,  it  follows  that 
secretions  cannot  take  place  if  leaf  buds  are  destroyed. 

As  vegetation  makes  rapid  progress  in  our  climate  after 
the  frost  is  out  of  the  ground,  the  gardener  should  employ 
himself  in  unfavourable  weather,  in  providing  implements 
and  materials  for  the  performance  of  the  work  of  the  gar- 
den every  fine  day,  in  order  that  his  pruning  and  planting 
may  be  done  before  the  too  rapid  advance  of  the  sap. 


CALENDAR   AND    INDEX.  149 

By  such  management,  he  will  not  only  promote  the  wel- 
fare of  his  fruit  garden,  but  will  save  himself  much  anxiety 
and  labour  as  the  season  progresses.  For  some  appropriate 
hints,  relative  to  the  employment  of  this  month,  see  the 
Calendar  for  January  and  February,  in  the  first  part  of  this 
work,  pages  148  and  149,  also  page  53  of  the  second  part, 
and  pages  21  and  34  of  the  third  part. 

Toward  the  latter  end  of  this  month,  it  will  be  time  to 
prune  and  train  grape  vines  in  many  situations.  Provide 
shreds  or  strips  of  woollen  cloth  about  half  an  inch  wide,  or 
list  from  broad  cloth,  which  is  still  better ;  also  small  sharp- 
pointed  nails  to  use  in  training  vines  and  such  fruit-frees  as 
require  training. 

If  any  removals  are  contemplated,  or  if  fresh  trees  or 
vines  are  required,  arrangements  should  be  made  to  have 
them  planted  as  soon  as  the  ground  can  be  brought  into  good 
condition.  See  pages  from  9  to  11,  also  pages  93, 101  to  104. 

If  the  kernels  of  the  Apple,  Pear,  and  Quince,  and  the  pits 
of  the  Apricot,  Cherry,  Peach,  and  Plum  were  not  planted 
last  autumn,  as  directed,  let  it  be  done  as  soon  as  the  earth 
can  be  brought  into  tillable  condition,  because  exposure  to 
frost  is  essential  to  their  vegetating. 


MARCH. 

The  Gard'ner  at  work,  ere  the  birds  pipe  a  tune, 
Each  fruit-tree  inspects,  then  commences  to  prune ; 
The  insects  destroying,  on  branches  or  root, 
That  injure  the  blossom,  or  live  in  the  fruit 

IF  the  weather  be  mild  this  month,  considerable  work 
may  be  done  in  the  fruit  garden  and  orchard,  before  the 
ground  can  be  brought  into  suitable  condition  for  ploughing, 
digging,  or  planting. 

Prune  grape  vines  early  in  this  month,  if  not  done  last 
month,  but  withhold  the  knife  until  you  have  surveyed  the 


150  CALENDAR    AND    INDEX. 

plant,  and  selected  a  full  supply  of  the  last  summer  shoots 
at  regular  distances  from  each  other,  for  bearers  the  coming 
Bummer  ;  cut  out  the  superabundant,  with  most  of  the  last 
year's  bearers,  and  naked  wood.  Prune  so  that  a  young 
shoot  will  terminate  each  branch,  and  shorten  the  reserved 
shoots ;  the  smallest  to  three  or  four  joints,  and  the  strong 
ones  to  ten  or  twelve.  Fasten  the  vines  to  trellises  as  soon 
as  pruned,  with  list,  or  shreds  of  woollen  cloth,  arranging  the 
general  branches  from  ten  to  twelve  inches'  distance,  more 
or  less,  according  to  the  size  of  the  vines  and  space  allotted 
for  them  to  grow  in.  Preserve  all  strong  shoots  to  make 
cuttings  with,  to  be  planted  next  month,  which  will  produce 
vines  fit  to  set  out  next  year.  See  Observations  on  Training 
and  Pruning,  page  21 ;  also,  article  Grape  Vine,  72  to  88. 

Prune  Apple  trees,  38;  Cherry,  52;  Pear,  112;  Quince, 
132;  also,  Currant  bushes,  59;  Gooseberry,  71;  cutting  out 
all  crowded  branches,  worn-out  bearers,  and  decayed  wood. 
If  not  done  in  the  autumn,  plantations  may  be  made  this 
month  of  all  the  above  species. 

Cut  out  and  destroy  all  the  old  stems  of  Raspberry  shrubs, 
reserving  three  or  four  of  the  strongest  young  shoots  on  each 
stool ;  shorten  them  at  the  top,  and  take  away  all  others, 
the  strongest  of  which  may  be  transplanted  to  form  a  new 
bed.  Lay  the  trailing  varieties  for  propagation,  134. 

In  transplanting  trees,  care  should  be  taken  that  the  col- 
lar, or  that  part  from  which  emanate  the  main  roots,  be  not 
inserted  too  deep  in  the  soil,  as  this  injures  the  bark,  and, 
consequently,  impedes  the  natural  circulation  of  the  juices. 
A  medium  sized  tree  may  be  planted  one  inch  deeper  than 
it  was  in  the  nursery  bed,  and  the  largest  should  not  exceed 
two  or  three  inches,  9,  93,  101  and  125. 

Plant  cuttings  and  suckers  of  Gooseberries  and  Currants, 
also,  of  such  fruit  trees  as  produce  them,  in  order  to  raise 
stocks  to  bud  and  graft  upon  ;  fruit  stones  and  kernels  may 
also  be  planted  for  the  same  purpose. 

Young  trees,  shrubs,  and  vines  may  be  obtained  at  public 


CALENDAR    AND    INDEX.  151 

nurseries,  in  different  stages  of  growth,  suited  for  general 
planting;  and  others  sufficiently  advanced  for  immediate 
bearers ;  these  should  be  carefully  taken  up,  and  replanted. 
For  full  information  on  this  subject,  the  reader  is  referred  to 
the  article,  'On  the  Choice  of  Fruit  Trees  in  the  Nursery/ 
page  32. 

Toward  the  end  of  the  month  is  a  good  time  to  prepare 
for  the  cultivation  of  Cranberries  ;  they  thrive  best  in  a  wet 
soil,  but  will  grow  on  almost  any  land,  by  giving  it  a  top- 
dressing  of  peat,  bog,  or  swamp  earth.  As  soon  as  such  ground 
can  be  brought  into  tillable  condition,  get  plants  that  were 
produced  from  layers  of  the  last  season,  and  set  them  out  in 
rows  about  two  feet  apart ;  they  will  soon  cover  the  ground 
by  their  runners,  which,  on  being  layed,  will  produce  an 
abundance  of  plants  well  adapted  for  additional  plantations 
in  succeeding  years.  See  page  57. 

Provide  Cedar  or  Chestnut  stakes  for  the  purpose  of 
driving  into  the  ground,  to  protect  newly  planted  trees  from 
injury  by  the  wind. 


APRIL. 

No  advocate  he  for  a  long  morning  nap, 
Waking  early,  he  plants  ere  the  rise  of  the  sap ; 
Whilst  glee  and  good  humour  enliven  his  face, 
More  happy,  by  far,  than  his  Lordship  or  Grace. 

FINISH  pruning  hardy  fruit  trees  the  early  part  of  this 
month;  also  Apricot,  47;  Almond,  51;  Fig,  63;  Mulberry, 
90;  Nectarine,  91;  Peach,  104;  Plum,  125;  not  forgetting 
such  trees,  vines,  and  shrubs  as  may  have  been  left  undone 
last  month.  At  the  same  time  manure  and  dig  the  ground 
around  every  fruit  tree  that  requires  it. 

Prepare  the  ground  for  planting,  by  digging,  trenching, 
and  manuring,  either  generally,  or  in  such  particular  places 
as  are  allotted  for  the  trees  to  be  planted  in,  page  9. 


152  CALENDAR    AND    INDEX. 

This  is  the  most  proper  season  for  planting  the  Apricot, 
Almond,  Fig,  Grape,  Mulberry,  Nectarine,  Peach,  and  all 
such  fruit  trees,  vines,  or  shrubs  as  originated  in  warm  cli- 
mates. Apple,  Cherry,  Pear,  Plum,  Quince  and  other 
hardy  fruit  trees,  may  also  be  planted  with  safety  early  in 
this  month;  but  autumn  is  considered  the  most  favourable 
season  for  planting  all  trees,  vines,  or  shrubs  of  northern 
latitude,  10,  93,  101  and  125. 

Those  who  have  a  variety  of  soil  should  accommodate  all 
the  varied  kinds  of  fruit  to   that  which  has  been  proved  to 
be  the  best  adapted  to  its  culture;  and  due  attention  should 
be  paid  to  situation  and  aspect,  in  planting  a  fruit  garden  o 
orchard,  12. 

Use  means  to  destroy  insects  while  in  a  torpid  state,  to 
prevent  their  spreading,  and  also  the  larvae  of  insects ;  direc- 
tions for  which  will  be  found  in  the  article  headed,  '  Obser- 
vations on  Insects,  and  Diseases  to  which  Fruit  Trees  are 
liable,'  13. 

Grafting  may  be  performed  on  fruit  trees  in  general,  27; 
prune  and  plant  Currant  bushes,  59;  Filbert,  65;  Goose- 
berry, 70;  Raspberry,  134.  Plant  cuttings  and  suckers 
from  these  shrubs;  also  of  such  trees  as  produce  them,  in 
order  to  get  a  supply  of  stocks  to  bud  and  graft  upon,  as 
well  as  some  for  bearing.  Fruit  stones  and  kernels  of 
various  kinds  may  be  planted  for  the  same  purpose. 

This  is  a  good  season  to  plant  cuttings  of  Grape  Vines, 
and  the  vine  may  also  be  propagated  by  layers,  that  is,  by 
bending  a  young  shoot  down  into  the  earth  a  few  inches, 
and  pinning  it  down  with  a  forked  stick.  The  top  may  be 
tied  to  a  small  stake,  to  keep  it  perpendicular ;  76  and  81. 
The  tender  vines  that  were  laid  down  in  autumn,  should  be 
taken  up,  and  fastened  to  trellises  or  stakes. 

Uncover  and  raise  up  the  Antwerp  and  other  tender 
varieties  of  the  Raspberry,  and  prune  them,  before  the  buds 
shoot,  at  the  same  time  cultivate  the  ground  around  them, 
and  drive  in  stakes  for  their  support.  In  ordei  to  obtain  a 


CALENDAR   AND    INDEX.  153 

good  supply  of  Raspberries  in  the  autumn,  cut  down  some 
of  tbe  twice  bearing  varieties  close  to  the  ground,  which  will 
occasion  strong  suckers  to  shoot  up,  that  will  yield  an  abun- 
dant crop  of  fruit  at  a  season  when  other  varieties  are  not 
attainable,  134. 

Strawberry  beds  that  were  protected  with  leaves  or  litter 
through  the  winter,  should  be  uncovered,  and  the  plants 
carefully  cultivated ;  some  lay  straw  over  their  beds,  an  inch 
or  two  thick,  and  set  fire  to  it,  137. 

As  the  warm  weather  progresses,  the  gardener  should  be 
on  the  alert,  in  order  to  conquer  the  various  kinds  of  insects. 
Burn  damp  litter,  stubble,  leaves,  weeds,  &c.,  near  fruit 
trees,  and  sow  the  ashes  over  the  ground,  IS  and  91. 


MAY. 

The  Gooseberry  green    the  first  fruit  of  the  year, 
In  pudding  or  pie,  affords  exquisite  cheer, 
But  e'en  should  the  season  their  pleasure  forefend. 
In  such  a  dilemma,  green  Rhubarb's  a  friend. 

FINISH  planting  trees,  vines,  and  shrubs  as  early  in  this 
month  as  possible ;  those  planted  last  month  should  be  kept 
watered  in  dry  weather,  and  stakes  should  be  applied  to 
such  as  may  be  exposed  to  the  wind,  93,  101  and  125. 

Finish  grafting  early  in  this  month.  Apples,  Pears,  and 
other  late-shooting  kinds  may  still  succeed,  27. 

Strawberry  beds  may  be  made  early  in  this  month,  and  if 
the  transplanting  is  well  done,  and  the  plants  frequently 
watered,  they  will  produce  some  fruit  this  year,  and  a  plen- 
tiful supply  the  next  season.  Hovey's  American  Seedling 
is  worthy  a  place  in  every  good  collection  for  its  productive- 
ness, and  the  superiority  of  its  fruit.  The  Methven  Scarlet, 
and  Mulberry  or  Pine,  are  large  and  yield  plentifully. 
Kean's  Seedling,  and  also  the  Downton,  are  of  superior  fla- 
vour. The  Elton  Seedling,  Southborough  Seedling,  Myatt'a 


154  CALENDAR    AND    INDEX. 

Seedling,  and  Bishop's  Orange,  are  in  great  repute  where 
cultivated.  The  old  Scarlet,  being  one  of  the  earliest, 
should  not  be  forgotten.  The  Wood  and  the  Alpine  Straw 
berry  will  produce  fine  fruit  from  seed  sown  in  the  spring. 
For  names  of  other  varieties,  mode  of  planting,  &c.,  see 
article,  page  136. 

If  frost  prevail  when  fruit  trees  are  in  blossom,  those 
trained  on  trellises,  or  against  walls  and  fences,  may  be  pro- 
tected by  hanging  matting  or  sheets  of  tow  cloth  over  them; 
some  defend  them  by  sticking  bunches  of  evergreens  be- 
tween the  branches,  as  cedar,  laurel,  pine,  &c.  The  object 
in  doing  this,  is  not  so  much  to  keep  out  the  frost,  as  to 
break  off  the  sun's  rays  in  the  morning  after  a.  frosty  night, 
because  the  sudden  transition  from  cold  to  heat  does  more 
injury  than  the  cold  itself. 

Propagate  Fig  trees  by  layers,  cuttings,  suckers,  and  by 
grafting,  62. 

If  any  webs  or  larvae  of  insects  appear  on  the  leaves  of 
fruit  trees  and  vines,  pluck  off  and  destroy  such  leaves  before 
the  insects  become  quickened,  which  may  be  a  means  of 
preventing  any  depredation  to  the  advancing  leaves  and 
buds.  The  trees  of  Plum  and  other  stone  fruit  are  very  apt 
to  gum  and  canker  at  this  season  of  the  year :  in  such  cases 
the  defective  parts  should  be  pruned  closely  off,  and  whale 
oil  soap  applied  to  the  wound.  A  little  soot  also  should 
be  rubbed  on  while  wet.  In  large  fruit  gardens  and  or- 
chards, means  should  be  used  to  destroy  insects  by  fumiga- 
tion, washing,  &c.  For  various  remedies,  see  Observations 
on  Insects,  and  Diseases  to  which  Fruit  Trees  are  liable, 
page  13;  see,  also,  article  page  30. 

Divest  young  budded  and  grafted  trees  of  all  shoots  from 
the  stocks,  below  the  bud  or  graft,  as  they  appear ;  also  rub 
off  all  useless  buds  in  early-shooting  wall  trees,  as  Nectarine, 
Apricots,  &c.,  48. 

To  protect  Gooseberries  and  other  fruits  from  mildews 
sprinkle  the  leaves  with  soap-suds  ;  and  while  they  are  wet, 


CALENDAR    AND    INDEX.  155 

sow  sulphur  lightly  over  them.  This  may  be  done  two  or 
three  times  a  week  if  necessary,  as  it  is  better  to  use  a  little  of 
the  ingredients  frequently,  than  too  much  at  once.  A  solution 
made  of  saltpetre  and  stone  lime  is  also  a  good  remedy ;  buf 
it  must  be  used  with  caution.  See  pages  14  and  71. 


JUNE. 

The  Cherry,  the  Currant,  and  Strawberry  red, 

To  the  rich  and  the  poor  their  refreshment  have  shed  ; 

Pomona  has  scatter' d  her  blessings  abroad, 

The  full-bearing  branches  bend  down  with  their  load. 

THE  principal  business  of  this  month  in  the  fruit  garden 
is  summer  pruning,  which  is  generally  performed  with  the 
finger  and  thumb,  by  detaching  all  superfluous  shoots  and 
buds;  and  also  to  thin  the  young  fruit  of  Apricot,  Nectarine, 
and  other  choice  trained  trees,  where  it  sets  too  thick  or  in 
clusters.  The  Apricots,  so  thinned  off,  and  the  first  princi- 
pal green  fruit,  will  make  excellent  pies  and  tarts.  See 
pages  48  and  92. 

Cherry  trees  of  the  finest  sorts  may  be  defended  from 
birds,  with  nets,  particularly  those  trained  as  espaliers,  52. 

Currant  and  Gooseberry  shrubs  of  choice  late  varieties, 
trained  as  espaliers  or  standards,  if  very  crowded  with 
shoots  of  the  year,  should  be  pruned,  and  the  Gooseberry 
fruit  thinned,  to  promote  its  growth  and  ripening  in  full  per 
fection,  59  and  71. 

All  trees  on  espaliers  require  attention;  cut  off  such 
superfluous  shoots  as  are  not  required  to  be  trained  in, 
leaving  well-situated  middle-sized  shoots  to  supply  the  place 
of  any  old  branches  that  it  may  be  thought  necessary  to  silt 
away,  23. 

Grape  Vines  should  be  looked  over  every  week.  Cut  off 
all  the  tendrils  and  useless  young  shoots,  and  stop  the  shoots 
before  the  bunches  of  fruit.  Train  up  the  shoots  for  bear- 


156  CALENDAR    AND    INDEX. 

ing  next  season,  and  to  a  proper  length,  before  you  stop 
them,  86. 

Newly  planted  trees  should  be  watered  in  dry  hot  wea- 
ther; an  occasional  hoeing  around  them  will  also  be  bene 
ficial,  but  care  must  be  taken  not  to  injure  the  roots. 

The  trained  trees  and  espaliers  should  be  examined  fre- 
quently, and  cleared  of  dead  leaves  and  insects;  which  can 
be  done  by  the  hand,  with  very  little  trouble.  For  the 
destruction  of  Rose  Bugs  on  Grape  Vines  and  Fruit  Trees, 
see  article  Grape,  page  84. 

Those  who  have  plenty  of  Strawberry  beds,  may,  by 
mowing  the  tops  from  some  of  them  while  they  are  in  blos- 
som, obtain  a  supply  of  fruit  at  a  season  when  Strawberries 
are  scarce.  The  beds  will  require  to  be  hoed,  and  watered 
in  dry  weather,  136  and  137. 


JULY. 

The  Margaret  Apple,  the  pride  of  our  dime, 
With  the  Apricot,  Raspberry,  true  to  their  time, 
Are  pleasant  companions,  as  summer  e'er  met, 
Though  others,  as  welcome,  are  coming  on  yet. 

THIN  the  fruit  of  Apricots,  which  will  be  good  for  pies  anu 
tarts ;  thin  Nectarines ;  also  such  Peaches  and  other  fruits 
as  may  be  desired  in  fall  perfection,  48  and  92. 

Defend  choice  fruit  from  birds  and  insects,  such  as 
wasps,  flies,  &c.;  the  birds  may  be  kept  off  by  nets,  and  the 
insects  may  be  decoyed  and  drowned,  by  placing  phials  of 
strong  liquor,  honey,  or  sugared  water  near  the  fruit. 

If  annoyed  with  ants,  place  cuttings  of  reed,  hollowed  elder 
or  anything  of  a  tube-like  kind,  in  which  they  will  harbour, 
and  may  be  destroyed  by  dipping  the  tubes  in  hot  water. 

If  mildew  appear  on  Grape  Vines,  syringe  them  with 
water,  in  which  a  small  quantity  of  saltpetre  and  stone  lime 
has  been  infused,  (it  need  not  be  over  strong.)  To  prevent 


CALENDAR    AND     INDEX.  157 

any  injurious  effects  from  the  lime,  the  vines  may  be  syr- 
inged alternately  with  the  liquid  and  pure  water,  each  two 
or  three  times  a  week.  A  little  sulphur  dusted  over  while 
the  leaves  are  wet  is  also  a  good  remedy,  14. 

Look  over  your  trained  Fruit  Trees  and  Grape  Vines; 
stop  the  shoots  before  the  bunches  of  fruit,  and  train  up 
such  shoots  as  are  reserved  for  bearing  next  year.  Nip  off 
curled  and  dead  leaves,  and  destroy  insects,  22  and  86. 

Fig  Trees  against  fences  or  on  trellises  will  require  at- 
tention ;  train  up  as  many  young  shoots  as  will  be  required 
for  bearers  next  year,  and  if  the  leaves  are  thick,  take  some 
off,  with  a  view  to  expose  the  fruit  to  the  influence  of  the 
eun,  which  is  essential  to  its  ripening  with  good  flavour,  62. 

Toward  the  end  of  this  month  is  the  proper  season  for 
budding  the  Nectarine,  Peach,  Plum,  and  other  species  of 
stone  fruit.  The  Peach  stock  is  often  budded  when  only  a 
year  old,  but  the  Plum  stock  is  generally  kept  in  the  nursery 
two  or  three  years  25. 

Apple  and  Pear  stocks  may  be  budded  when  two  or  three 
years  old,  but  those  fruits  are  generally  propagated  by  graft 
ing  early  in  the  spring. 

A  judicious  pruning  of  Peach,  Nectarine,  and  other  kinds 
of  young  trees  is  necessary  at  this  season.  To  prevent  the 
long,  straggling  growth  of  limbs  which  are  frequently  bare 
of  shoots  for  some  distance  from  the  body  of  the  tree,  such 
limbs  should  be  shortened,  which  will  cause  the  production 
of  lateral  shoots.  An  annual  summer  pruning  is  essential  to 
the  well  being  of  a  tree,  as  by  shortening  the  wood  of  the 
preceding  year's  growth,  a  symmetrical  tree  containing  a 
good  supply  of  bearing  wood  may  be  formed.  By  this  treat 
ment  the  longevity  of  a  tree  will  be  promoted,  provided  tho 
work  is  done  with  judgment  and  care,  so  as  not  to  render 
the  tree  impervious  to  the  influence  of  the  sun  and  air ;  for, 
be  it  remembered,  that  the  head  of  a  tree  must  always  be 
kept  moderately  open,  for  the  purposes  of  giving  the  fruit 
the  best  possible  chance  of  ripening  perfectly,  21,  34  and  48. 


158  CALENDAR    AND   INDEX. 

AUGUST. 

The  Peach,  plump  and  ripe,  brings  as  excellent  fere, 
Let  the  Nectarine,  too,  in  this  eulogy  share — 
Their  flavour  how  grateful — their  juices  how  fine, 
T I nequall'd  in  taste  by  the  fruit  of  the  vine. 

FINISH  all  that  remains  to  be  done  of  summer  pruning  of 
all  trained  fruit  trees  and  vines,  as  in  the  last  two  months  ; 
destroy  all  irregular  and  unnecessary  after-shoots,  and  train 
in  a  requisite  supply  of  well-situated  shoots,  for  bearers  next 
year,  48  and  8& 

Examine  the  fruit  trees  that  were  inoculated  last  month, 
and  wherever  a  bud  has  failed,  insert  another  upon  the 
smooth  part  of  the  bark.  Budding  generally  succeeds  well 
if  done  by  the  middle  of  this  month,  26. 

Keep  Raspberry  beds  clear  of  all  straggling  suckers ;  tie 
up  such  shoots  as  are  adapted  for  next  year's  bearers  to  neat 
stakes,  and  keep  the  ground  clear  of  weeds,  134. 

Strawberry  beds  should  be  kept  clear  of  weeds,  and  the 
runners  may  be  taken  from  some  kinds  to  make  new  planta- 
tions with,  137. 

If  dry  weather  prevail,  as  is  generally  the  case  at  this  sea- 
son, hoe  frequently  between  such  young  tiees,  shrubs,  &c., 
in  the  nursery  beds,  as  are  well  rooted ;  and  water  those 
which  were  recently  transplanted. 

As  numerous  species  of  insects  are  engendered  by  the 
excessive  heat  which  generally  prevails  at  this  season  of  the 
year,  efforts  should  be  made  to  destroy  them.  By  a  general 
search  every  morning  and  evening,  the  increase  of  some 
species  may  be  checked,  and  by  perseverance,  they  may  be 
totally  eradicated.  See  pages  from  18  to  21  of  the  first 
part,  and  pages  13,  30,  84  and  156  of  the  third  part,  for 
directions  how  to  proceed. 

Many  of  those  reptiles  that  take  up  their  abode  in  the 
earth  may  be  annoyed  by  frequent  sowings  of  compost  over 
the  surface  of  the  land.  The  various  kinds  of  bitter  and 


CALENDAR    AND    INDEX.  159 

acrid  substances  recommended  in  the  chapter  containing 
4  Observations  on  Insects  and  the  Diseases  of  Fruit  Trees/ 
page  13,  are  not  only  adapted  to  the  destruction  of  insects, 
but  the  use  of  them  in  this  way,  will  produce  an  incalcula- 
ble benefit  to  the  land,  and  in  many  cases  preclude  the 
necessity  of  using  any  other  manure. 

The  ingredients  alluded  to  consist  of  ashes,  charcoal  dust, 
plaster  of  Paris,  tobacco  dust,  lime,  salt,  soot,  pepper,  pot- 
ash, saltpetre,  snuff,  and  sulphur.  The  proportions  may  be 
as  follows :  Of  the  first  four  articles,  half  a  bushel  of  each  j 
of  the  next  three,  a  peck  of  each ;  and  of  the  last  five,  say 
one  pound  of  each ;  which  will  make  together  three  bushels 
of  compost. 

As  all  land  possesses  inorganic  matter,  which  contains 
more  or  less  of  the  elements  comprised  in  the  above  reme- 
dies, and  as  some  land  contains  more  of  one  element  than 
another,  a  judicious  choice  may  be  made  from  the  above 
list,  with  a  view  to  suit  all  the  various  kinds  of  soil ;  thus, 
in  locations  open  to  sea  breezes,  which  replenish  the  earth 
with  salt',  that  article  may  be  dispensed  with,  and  another 
substituted ;  and  on  land  which  is  not  susceptible  of  being 
improved  by  lime,  perhaps  the  salt  may  be  beneficial ;  but 
it  is  presumed  that  in  most  cases  a  compost  made  of  all,  or 
as  many  of  the  different  articles  as  are  attainable,  would 
produce  a  lasting  benefit  to  land  in  general,  by  sowing,  say 
at  the  rate  of  a  bushel  per  acre,  once  a  week,  at  those  sea- 
sons of  the  year  when  it  will  avail  most  in  the  destruction 
of  reptiles  and  insects;  and  as  the  primary  object  of  using 
the  compost  is  to  prevent  our  fruits  from  being  destroyed,  it 
would  prove  most  effectual  if  sown  out  of  a  wagon,  from 
which,  in  passing  between  the  trees,  the  leaves  could  bo 
dusted.  See  pages  19,  89  and  104,  of  the  first  part. 


160  CALENDAR    AND    INDEX. 

SEPTEMBER. 

The  Peach  and  the  Pear  tree  have  still  ample  store, 
And  the  Plum,  most  inviting,  "  makes  urchins  adore  jw 
A  bountiful  feast  is  spread  over  the  land, 
For  great  is  the  Giver,  unsparing  His  hand. 

PLANTATIONS  of  Strawberries  may  be  made  this  month, 
either  with  runners  or  seedling  plants,  137. 

Protect  your  Grapes  and  other  fruit  from  wasps  and  other 
insects  ;  either  decoy  them  with  honey  or  sugared  water,  or 
hang  nets  over  the  fruit ;  some  take  the  trouble  of  putting 
the  bunches  into  crape  or  paper  bags. 

Grape  Vines  and  espalier  trees  in  general  should  be 
attended  to,  as  directed  in  the  previous  summer  months  ; 
by  depriving  them  of  all  useless  shoots  and  suckers,  training 
in  those  branches  intended  for  the  next  year's  bearers,  and 
destroying  the  eggs  of  insects,  curled  leaves,  &c.,  85. 

Stone  fruit,  which  will  now  be  continually  ripening, 
should  be  gathered  while  in  full  perfection,  and  not  suffered 
to  get  over-ripe,  so  as  to  lose  its  peculiar  flavour. 

Ground  allotted  for  the  planting  of  fruit  trees  and  vines 
the  coming  autumn,  should  be  prepared  this  month,  by  dig- 
ging, trenching,  and  manuring,  where  necessary,  8. 

With  a  view  to  conquer  the  various  kinds  of  insects  and 
reptiles,  persevere  in  the  use  of  the  remedies  recommended 
last  month.  Gather  up  all  fruit  which  falls  from  the  trees, 
or  turn  geese  enough  into  the  orchard  to  eat  it  up,  by 
which  means  the  reptiles  and  their  food  are  devoured  at 
once.  Hogs  are  the  best  scavengers,  but  they  are  too  apt 
to  do  injury  by  rooting;  they  may,  however,  be  let  into  the 
orchard  a  few  hours  each  day,  and  watched,  13  and  124. 

Besides  the  ingredients  already  recommended,  there  are 
others  which  may  be  used  in  various  ways.  Some  may  be 
dissolved  in  a  hogshead  allotted  for  the  purpose,  which  on 
being  kept  filled  with  water,  makes  a  solution  well  calculated 
to  sprinkle  on  the  leaves  of  trees,  by  means  of  a  syringe  or 


CALENDAR    AND    INDEX.  161 

a  portable  garden  engine.  Others  may  be  prepared  of  the 
consistency  of  paint,  and  applied  to  the  body  and  limbs  of 
trees  with  a  brush ;  and  some  may  be  made  into  a  compo- 
sition, and  used  as  an  ointment  at  the  time  of  pruning.  The 
articles  alluded  to  are  beeswax,  burdock  leaves,  cow  dung, 
decoctions  of  elder,  lamp-black,  ley,  soap-suds,  soft-soap, 
tar,  tallow,  turpentine,  urine,  vinegar,  walnut  leaves,  and 
whale  oil  soap,  to  which  may  be  added  such  of  the  dry  ma- 
terials in  our  previous  list  as  are  dissoluble.  See  page  18 
of  the  first  part,  and  page  30  of  the  third  part. 

If  any  of  my  readers,  from  the  prevailing  prejudices 
alluded  to  in  page  113,  should  feel  disposed  to  abandon  or 
root  up  any  of  the  fruit  trees  which  have  been  nurtured  and 
esteemed  by  their  forefathers,  they  are  recommended  before 
doing  so  to  apply  some  of  the  preceding  remedies,  and  also 
to  follow  the  advice  given  in  chapter  the  13th  and  verse  the 
8th  of  St.  Luke's  Gospel,  in  reference  to  the  barren  fig  tree, 
namely,  "dig  about  it,  and  dung  it."  If  after  this,  it  should 
be  necessary  to  "  cut  it  down,"  get  some  scions  of  the  same 
varieties  from  vigorous  and  healthy  trees,  and  in-gi  aft  them 
on  stocks,  carefully  raised,  by  which  means  tbe  old  fruits 
will  have  the  same  chance  as  the  new  varieties  ;  but  it  will 
be  generally  admitted  that  a  new  broom  sweeps  clean,  and 
that  old  things  in  general  are  too  apt  to  be  neglected.  I 
would  here  avail  myself  of  the  opportunity  of  remarking,  that 
so  strong  is  the  propensity  of  some  persons  to  adopt  novel- 
ties, that  they  often  abandon  some  of  the  best  productions 
of  the  garden  in  order  to  find  room  for  other  plants,  merely 
because  they  are  new,  and  which  they  cultivate  with  pecu- 
liar care ;  whereas,  if  the  same  attention  was  bestowed  on 
the  old  inmates  of  their  garden,  they  would  prove  the  most 
worthy  of  being  cultivated  and  perpetuated. 


162  CALENDAR    AND    INDEX. 

OCTOBER. 

Oh  Bacchus  !  thy  Grapes  now  in  bunches  hang  down; 
Some  press  them  too  freely  their  "  sorrows  to  drown  ;" 
Let  "  Temperance  in  all  things  "  be  ever  our  guide — 
No  evil  can  flow  from  the  generous  tide ! 

PREPARE  the  ground  for  planting  all  kinds  of  hard)  fruit 
trees  this  month,  by  digging,  trenching,  and  manuring,  8. 

Gather  such  varieties  of  Apples  and  Pears  as  are  in  full 
growth,  both  of  autumn-eating  and  winter-keeping  kinds ; 
do  it  on  dry  days  ;  let  the  keeping  sorts  lay  in  heaps,  to  dis- 
charge their  redundant  moisture  ;  after  which  convey  them 
to  a  room  adapted  for  preserving  them  through  the  winter  ; 
lay  each  kind  separate,  and  cover  them  up  with  dry  straw, 
a  foot  or  more  in  thickness,  according  to  the  warmness  of 
the  room,  which  will  preserve  them  in  good  order. 

Prune  Currant  and  Gooseberry  bushes  ;  make  new  plan- 
tations, and  plant  cuttings  from  these  shrubs,  prepared  as 
directed  in  pages  59  and  70. 

Plant  the  stones  of  Cherry,  Peach.  Plum,  &c.,  in  drills 
about  two  inches  deep,  for  the  purpose  of  raising  stocks  and 
for  new  varieties ;  and  in  temperate  climates,  kernels  of 
Apple,  Pear,  Quince,  &c.,  may  be  sewn  in  drills  about  an 
inch  deep  for  the  same  purpose.  Plant,  also,  cuttings  of 
hardy  trees,  suckers  of  Filberts,  &c.,  38  and  62. 

Strawberry  beds  which  were  planted  last  month  should 
be  kept  free  from  weeds,  and  if  dry  weather  prevails,  they 
should  be  occasionally  watered,  136. 

Plantings  of  hardy  ti-ees  may  be  commenced  toward  the 
end  of  this  month,  or  soon  after  the  leaves  show  indications 
of  decay,  whether  fallen  or  not,  10. 

Toward  the  end  of  this  month,  or  early  in  the  next,  all 
the  tender  shrubs  and  vines  must  be  protected,  by  laying 
them  down  and  covering  them  with  earth,  or  by  entwining 
straw  or  matting  around  them,  63,  80  and  135. 

In  gathering  grapes  for  the  dessert  Ve  careful  not  to  bruise 
them  or  disturb  the  vine  ;  to  avoid  which  cut  off  each  bunch 
with  a  pair  of  small  scissors. 


CALENDAR    AND    INDEX.  163 

NOVEMBER. 

And  now  we've  arrived  near  the  close  of  the  year* 
Winter  Apples  and  Cranberries  bring  up  ttie  rearj 
All  are  good  of  their  kind,  and  we  freely  declare, 
Not  one  of  the  Fruits  we  would  willingly  spare. 

APPLE,  Pear,  Plum,  Cherry,  Chestnut,  Mulberry,  Quince, 
Walnut,  and  other  hardy  fruit  trees  may  now  bo  planted  ; 
use  caution  not  to  injure  them  in  taking  up  or  removing 
them;  let  holes  be  dug  somewhat  larger  than  is  sufficient 
to  admit  the  roots  in  their  natural  position,  and  of  sufficient 
depth  to  allow  of  some  good  rich  compost  or  pulverized  earth 
to  be  thrown  in  before  the  trees  are  planted.  See  pages  9, 
34,  103  and  125,  and  read  the  article  headed  '  Observations 
on  the  Choice  of  Fruit  Trees  in  the  Nursery,'  page  32. 

Finish  gathering  late  varieties  of  Apples,  Pears,  Grapes, 
&c.;  do  it  in  dry  weather,  and  stow  them  away  out  of  the 
reach  of  frost,  as  recommended  last  month. 

Cranberry,  Currant,  Filbert,  Gooseberry,  and  Raspberry 
shrubs  may  be  planted  this  month ;  at  the  same  time  cut 
out  all  crowded  branches,  superfluous  suckers,  worn-out 
bearers,  and  decayed  wood,  58,  60,  Go,  70  and  134. 

Strawberry  beds  made  in  August  and  September,  as  well 
as  those  of  greater  age,  may  be  covered  up  with  leaves, 
light  manure,  salt  hay,  or  other  litter. 

Protect  the  beds  where  fruit  seeds  and  cuttings  were 
planted  last  month,  by  a  covering  of  light  manure,  compost, 
or  leaves  of  trees. 

Winter  pruning  may  be  performed  this  month  on  some 
species  of  hardy  trees,  shrubs,  vines,  &c.,  and  continued  at 
all  opportunities  throughout  the  next  month,  23. 

Fig  Trees,  Tender  Grape  Vines,  as  well  as  the  Antwerp 
and  other  half-hardy  Raspberry  Shrubs,  must  be  protected 
from  the  effects  of  frost,  which  is  done  by  bending  them 
down  to  the  ground  and  covering  them  with  earth  five  or 
six  inches,  which  should  be  sloped  so  as  to  carry  off  the  rain. 
Some  of  the  trained  Vines  and  Fig  Trees  may  be  protected 
with  wickers  of  straw  or  matting,  63,  80  and  135. 


164  CALENDAR    AND    INDEX. 

DECEMBER. 

Let  sober  Reflection,  the  Tiller  employ, 
The  sound  seeds  of  Virtue  will  spring  to  his  joy  ; 
To  the  Ruler  of  season's,  let  gaatitude's  voice, 
In  His  love  and  His  wisdom  for  ever  rejoice. 

IF  any  of  the  work  recommended  to  be  done  in  the  last 
month  was  not  accomplished,  let  it  be  done  with  all  possible 
despatch  this  month,  as  we  know  not  what  a  day  may  bring 
forth. 

Protect  the  stems  of  newly-planted  trees.  Cover  with 
litter  the  roots  of  Grape  Vines  and  Figs  against  walls,  and 
cover  the  branches  with  mats,  &c.  In  temperate  climates 
prune  Apple,  Pear,  Quince,  and  other  hardy  fruit  trees ;  cut 
out  rotten  and  decaying  branches,  23  and  63. 

To  destroy  insects  on  the  fruit  trees,  and  prevent  them 
from  creeping  up  and  breeding  on  them,  do  as  follows : — 

Take  a  strong  knife  with  a  sharp  point,  and  a  sharp  hook- 
like  iron  made  for  the  purpose ;  with  these  scrape  clean  off 
all  the  moss  and  outside  rough  bark,  and  with  the  knife  pick 
out  or  cut  away  the  cankered  parts  of  the  bark  and  wood,  in 
such  a  slanting  manner  that  water  cannot  lodge  in  the  sides 
of  the  stem  of  the  trees.  Having  cleared  the  trees  in  this 
way,  make  up  a  mixture  of  lime,  soot,  and  sulphur;  put 
these  ingredients  into  a  pot  or  tub,  pour  boiling  water  upon 
them,  and  with  a  stick  stir  and  mix  them  well  together. 
When  this  strong  mixture  becomes  cold,  and  about  the 
thickness  of  white-wash,  take  a  brush,  dip  it  in  the  mixture, 
and  apply  it  to  the  stems  and  large  branches  of  the  trees, 
dabbing  it  well  into  the  hollow  parts  of  the  bark. 

The  pruning  of  hardy  fruit  trees  and  hardy  shrubs  may 
be  performed  at  all  favourable  opportunities  through  the 
winter,  21  to  24. 

For  farther  information  on  the  winter  management  ol 
Fruit  Trees,  the  reader  is  referred  to  the  articles  corumenc 
ing  pages  7,  13,  21,  30  and  32. 


165 


TO  THE  PEOPLE 

OF    THE 

UNITED    STATES    OF    AMERICA. 

FELLOW-CITIZENS  : 

Aw  application  having  been  made  to  your  Representatives  in  Congress  to 
vote  a  sum  equal  to  five  cents  from  each  individual  in  the  United  States, 
OR  ABOUT  A  MILLION  DOLLARS  OF  YOUR  RESOURCES,  to  the  promotion  of  an 
improved  system  of  "  Terra-culture"  as  described  in  Senate,  Document 
No.  23,  of  the  third  session  of  the  25th  Congress,  I  hereby  direct  your 
attention  to  a  few  extracts  taken  from  the  applicant's  preamble ;  copies  of 
which  were  forwarded  to  each  member  of  the  26th  Congress,  in  session, 
November  30,  1839,  by  Russell  Comstock. 

From  the  Poughkeepsie  Eagle,  of  January  25, 1840. 

PRESERVATION  OF  FRUIT  TREES,  PLANTS,  &C. 

GREAT  DISCOVERY. 

«'  To  the  Hon.  Perry  Smith,  Chairman  of  the  United  States  Senate  Com- 
mittee on  Agriculture  of  the  25th  Congress.  "  With  the  consent  and  by 
the  advice  on  the  23d  inst,  of  the  chairman  of  the  United  States  Senate 
Committee  on  Agriculture  of  the  25th  Congress,  I  forward  to  each  member 
of  the  26th  Congress  the  accompanying  document  dated  the  14th  inst;  the 
object  is  to  show  you  some  of  the  proof  thai  a  discovery  of  vital  importance 
to  civilized  man  has  been  made,  which  in  several  letters  from  different 
members  of  the  present  and  last  Congress  is  valued  at  HUNDREDS  OF  MIL- 
LIONS OF  DAYS*  LABOUR,  AND  WORTH  MORE  THAN  ALL  THE  DISCOVE- 
RIES OF  THE  PRESENT  AGE  COMBINED THE  APPLICATION  OF  STEAM 

NOT  EXCEPTED. 

"  For  what  purpose  would  all  the  owners  of  the  public  lands  more  freely 
or  gratefully  consent  to  give  one  hundreth  part  of  those  lands,  or  the  pro- 
ceeds thereof?  Would  they  not  be  grateful  to  those  members  of  Congress, 
who  assist  in  giving  the  owners  of  the  public  domain  the  desired  informa- 
tion, and  reverence  them  as  benefactors  of  human  kind. 

"  For  the  honour  of  the  Republic,  for  the  honour  of  the  age,  and  for  the 
interest  and  comfort  of  the  living,  as  well  as  the  unborn,  let  not  that  disco- 
very which  may  cause  two  seeds  to  ripen  where  one  now  does,  which  pre- 
vents the  premature  death  of  all  cultivated  trees,  which  has  been  searched 
for  in  vain  during  the  history  of  all  civilized  society,  die  with  the  discoverer 
for  want  of  the  action  of  the  United  States  Congress." 

Our  patriotic  discoverer  "  claims  the  following  five  discoveries  as  his, 
besides  other  discoveries  which  are  stated  in  his  memorial  to  the  2oth  Con- 
gress: 


160 

1st  "  That  various  diseases,  universally  supposed  to  be  destructive  to 
plants  are  only  symptoms  that  a  particular  error  in  cultivation  has  been 
committed;  and  that  many  other  injurious  effects  have  been  produced  by 
the  same  error,  which  are  attributed  to  other  causes. 

2d.  "  That  the  error  is  UNIVERSALLY  COMMITTED,  to  a  greater  or  less 
extent,  throughout  the  States,  and  that  he  has  seen  an  excess  of  it  where- 
ever  he  has  been,  which  is  in  the  Atlantic  States,  from  Georgia  to  Massa- 
chusetts, inclusive. 

3d.  "  That  the  PEACH  and  NECTARINE  are  more  easily  injured  by  the 
error  than  most  other  Fruit  trees,  and  the  cause  of  their  being  more  easily 
injured  by  it ;  and  that  this  error  causes  them  to  be  barren,  or  short-lived. 

4th.  "  That  the  application  of  two  known  laws  in  nature  demonstratf 
the  reality  of  his  discovery  and  its  application  to  the  whole  vegetable  king 
dom  ;  and  that  by  them,  his  discovery,  (if  publicly  known,)  must  be  per 
petuated,  and  his  practice  more  easily  introduced  :  and  that  by  these  two 
laws  the  occasional  success  of  common  remedies  is  explained. 

5th.  "  That  the  said  error  is  the  obstacle  which  has  discouraged  experi- 
menters, and  lamentably  retarded  improvements  in  the  science  and  practice 
of  agriculture ;  and  that  he  has  discovered  facts  and  made  himself  acquainted 
with  knowledge  sufficient  to  reduce  them  to  practice." 

We  are  farther  informed,  "  that  it  is  neither  climate,  nor  soil,  nor  insects, 
nor  worms,  that,  are  the  cause  of  many  of  the  disastrous  effects  that  have 
been  attributed  to  them,  but  that  those  effects  are  produced  by  error  in  cul- 
tivation, which  diseases  the  smallest  plant  or  largest  tree." 

Our  modest  and  patriotic  fellow-citizen  admits,  in  the  course  of  his 
preamble,  "that  the  practical  part  of  his  discovery  is  so  EXTREMELY  SIMPLE 
and  economical,  that  it  costs  no  more  to  prevent  the  diseases  than  it  does 
to  produce  them  ;  and  that  it  is  so  different  from  the  established  theories 
and  habits  of  the  people,  THAT  UNLESS  A  LARGE  AMOUNT  BE  APPRO- 
PRIATED, many  will  be  unwilling  to  try  it,  and  therefore  the  PUBLIC  GOOD 
seems  to  require  that  a  large  amount  should  be  appropriated."  He  more- 
over asserts,  that  "  there  are  two  known  laws  in  nature,  by  which  the  reality 
of  his  discovery,  and  its  application  to  the  whole  vegetable  kingdom,  are 
demonstrable  in  less  than  thirty  words." 

That  this  invaluable  secret,  whatever  it  may  be,  is  not  strictly  speaking 
a  n«w  discovery,  is  demonstrable  by  numerous  living  witnesses  which  have 
inhabited  the  fields  of  the  old  world  for  over  a  thousand  years  ;  and  our 
discoverer  freely  admits,  and  in  very  emphatic  language,  that  there  are 
thousands  of  trees  in  our  own  country  on  which,  what  he  terms  "the  com- 
mon error  "  has  never  been  committed  ;  and  also,  that  several  of  the  fifteen 
gentlemen  to  whom  he  communicated  his  secret,  "confidently  for  ever,"  have 
some  such  trees  on  their  own  domains. 

Hear  him — "  The  Senator  from  Missouri,  (Mr.  Linn,)  said,  that  the  most 
flourishing  and  healthy  Peach  tree  in  his  possession  had  never  had  what  I 
call  the  common  error  in  cultivation  committed  upon  it." 

"  The  Senator  from  Pennsylvania,  (Mr.  McKean,)  said,  that  he  had  long 
supposed  that  what  I  call  the  common  error,  was  an  error,  but  that  he  had 
no  idea  of  such  extensive  evils  arising  from  it." 

"The  Senator  from  Maryland,  (Mr,  Spence,)  said,  that  in  his  district  it 
was  a  universal  custom  to  commit  what  I  call  the  common  error  in  cultiva- 
tion, on  the  fruit  trees,  and  that  it  was  common  to  have  no  Plums  perfect 


167 

and  free  from  worms,  excepting  on  a  few  of  his,  on  which  the  error 
had  not  been  committed  for  twenty  years,  if  ever  ;  and  those  few  (four) 
continued  to  bear  abundantly  annually  ;  that  he  had  no  recollection  of  ever 
seeing  an  imperfect  wormy  Plum  on  either  of  these  four  trees,  but  that  he 
had  nevrr  supposed  that  to  have  been  the  cause  of  their  perfection." 

The  Senator  from  South  Carolina,  (Mr.  Calhoun.)  to  whom  I  am  indebted 
for  pointing  out  one  symptom  of  the  error,  and  for  a  valuable  suggestion  in 
the  culture  of  plants,  said,  "  while  examining  the  defective  trees  around  the 
Capitol,  that  the  principle  when  exhibited  was  very  plain  and  simple,  that 
it  was  philosophical,  and  in  his  opinion  it  could  not  be  neglected  without 
injury  to  the  health  and  growth  of  trees  and  plants,  and  deserving  of  pub- 
lic patronage." 

"The  Vice  President  of  the  United  States,  (Mr.  Johnson,)  said,  that  my 
discovery  was  perfectly  consistent  with  the  laws  of  nature;  and  (when 
observing  a  few  trees  near  the  Capitol,  which  had  been  injured  by  the  error, 
and  were  recovering.)  farther  remarked,  that  my  theory  was  essentially  cor- 
rect and  obvious  to  the  most  superficial  observer." 

"The  member  from  New-York,  (Mr.  Jackson,)  said,  that  he  had  reared 
an  orchard  on  which  he  had  carefully  avoide.l  an  excess  of  what  I  call  the 
common  error,  and  that  it  had  been  admired  as  the  most  flourishing  and 
fruitful  orchard  in  the  neighbourhood  ;  and  that  he  had  recently  seen  a  field 
of  Indian  corn,  which  yielded  more  than  one  hundred  bushels  of  shelled 
grain  to  the  acre,  in  which  an  excess  of  the  error  had  been  avoided,  while 
the  success  was  attributed  to  quite  a  different  cause." 

From  the  preceding  exiracts.  it  is  evident  that  this  inestimable  treasure 
lays  near  the  surf  ice;  and  from  the  disclosure  having  been  communicated 
to  rational  and  intelligent  minds,  it  is  preposterous  to  expect  that  those 
gentleman  can,  in  thp  pursuit  of  their  rural  avocations,  act  directly  con- 
trary to  knowledge  and  sound  judgment  j  they  must,  therefore  necessarily 
and  unavoidably  communicate  the  secret  by  their  example,  which  will 
eventually  disseminate  in  proportion  as  mankind  take  an  interest  in  the 
merits  of  the  alleged  discovery. 

But  lest  the  full  benefits  of  this  invaluable  remedy  should  be  withheld 
from  the  community  for  want  of  the  action  of  the  United  States  C.on^ress, 
I  have  submitted  an  exposition  of  my  views  of  the  particular  points 
adverted  to  in  the  preamble,  which  may  be  found  under  the  heads,  Necta- 
rine, Peach,  and  Plum,  pages  91,  98  and  124  of  the  third  part  of  the  present 
edition  of  the  Young  Gardener's  Assistant ;  and  I  would  furthermore 
remind  my  readers  that  the  directions  heretofore  given  in  this  and  previous 
editions  of  the  work  are  in  strict  accordance  with  the  same  doctrine ;  and 
that  although  the  error  alluded  to  is  admitted  to  have  been  very  generally 
committed,  I  am  not  aware  that  any  writer  has  ever  taught  or  encouraged 
the  error,  either  direct  or  indirect ;  I  confess,  however,  that  I  have  been 
induced  to  expatiate  on  this  malpractice  in  horticulture  from  the  subject 
having  elicited  the  grave  consideration  of  enlightened  legislators  of  these 
United  States. 

And  lest  these  my  voluntary  disclosures  should  prove  to  have  no  bearing 
on  the  alleged  discovery,  I  would  prepare  the  public  mind  for  its  reception 
by  an  exhortation  to  TEMPERANCE  AND  MODERATION,  as  the  only  safe 
course  that  can  be  considered  applicable  to  thp  cultivation  <>f  all  the  varied 
species  of  plants,  which  comprise  "  the  whole  vegetable  kingdom."  In 


168 

articles  page  26  of  the  first  part,  and  pages  16,  28  and  97  of  the  second 
part,  I  have  shown  that  the  various  species  of  plants  which  occupy  our 
greenhouses,  gardens,  and  fields,  require  each  their  peculiar  aliment — they 
having  been  collected  from  all  the  diversified  regions,  climates,  and  soils 
through  earth's  remotest  boun.ls  ;  they  consequently  comprise  natives  of 
mountains  and  rocks,  as  well  as  of  plains,  valleys,  and  water  courses.  The 
most  essential  aliment  for  natives  of  warm  climates  and  dry  soils  being 
HEAT,  artificial  means  are  used  in  cool  seasons,  and  unpropitious  climates 
to  produce  it.  Natives  of  temperate  climates  require  salubrious  AIR,  hence 
they  are  cultivated  to  the  greatest,  perfection  in  our  Northern  States  in 
spring  and  autumn  ;  and  in  our  Southern  States  in  the  winter;  seepage 
147  of  the  first  part;  and  natives  of  humid  climates,  as  also  amphibious 
plants  in  general,  require  a  more  than  ordinary  share  of  MOISTURE,  and 
grow  best  in  wet  soil;  but  these  THREK  ELEMENTS  collectively  constitute 
the  food  of  plants  in  general,  and  should  be  judiciously  imparted  to  the 
various  species,  in  due  proportions,  according  to  circumstances.  See  pages 
49,  64  and  67  of  the  first  part,  for  a  more  precise  view  of  this  subject.  I 
have  also  shown  that  the  roots  of  various  species  of  plants  require  each 
their  peculiar  aliment,  which  is  not  to  be  found  in  all  descriptions  of  land; 
this  is  demonstrated  by  roots  of  trees  being  frequently  discovered  spreading 
beyond  their  ordinary  bounds  in  quest  of  salutary  food. 

Although  it  has  been  admitted  that  excessive  deep  planting  of  trees  and 
plants  is  injurious,  and  in  many  cases  fatal  to  their  very  existence,  it  does 
not  follow  that  all  annua's  and  biennials  are  injured  by  the  same  means ; 
on  the  contrary,  the  earthing  up  of  particular  species  of  plants  in  a  late 
stage  of  growth  is  calculated  to  promote  early  maturity,  which  constitutes 
the  most  essential  art  in  gardening  for  the  market ;  because  the  earliest 
crops  are  always  the  most  profitable.  It  is  moreover  a  necessary  practice 
in  climates  where  the  seasons  for  gardening  are  short — as  without  such 
practice,  many  kinds  of  vegetables  could  not  possibly  be  matured  in  due 
season  for  gathering  before  winter. 

I  would  here  take  the  opportunity  of  proving  this  last  position,  by 
reminding  the  reader  that  the  effects  of  deep  planting,  the  Peach  tree  for 
instance-,  is  discoverable  soon  after  the  error  is  committed,  by  its  fruit  ripen- 
ing prematurely,  and  this  is  often  the  case  for  a  year  or  two  prior  to  ite 
final  decease,  and  should  operate  as  a  salutary  lesson  against  planting 
perennial  plants  and  trees  too  deep. 

In  conclusion  of  this  article,  which  is  intended  as  an  appendage  to  my 
works  on  gardening,  I  would  urge  gardeners  and  cultivators  to  consult  the 
operations  of  nature  in  all  their  rural  pursuits ;  and  with  a  view  to  aid 
them,  I  subjoin  the  following  rules,  which  are  farther  illustrated  under  the 
different  heads : 

1.  In  transplantiug  fruit  trees,  let  the  collar,  or  that  part  from  which 
emanate  the  main  roots,  be  near  the  surface.     A  medium  sized  tree  may  be 
planted  an  inch  deeper  than  it  was  in  the   nursery  bed ;  and  the  largest 
should  not  excee.l  two  or  three  inches      See  pages  93,  101  and  125  of  the 
third  part  of  the  present  edition  of  the  Young  Gardener's  Assistant 

2.  In  the  cultivation  of  such  plants  as  are  transplanted,  or  grown  in  hills 
or  clusters,  as  Indian  Corn,  &c.,  keep  the  earth  loose  but  level  around  them 
in  their  early  stages  of  growth,  by  frequent  hoeing,  ploughing,  or  culti- 


169 

\nting ;  and  to  promote  early   maturity,   throw  a  moderate  portion  of 
earth  about  the  roots  and  stems  at  the  last  or  final  dressing. 

3.  In  the  sowing  of  seed,  remember  that  IN  UNITY  THERE  is  STRENGTH, 
and  that  from  the  gerrninative  parts  of  a  seed  being  weak  and  diminutive, 
it  cannot  be  expected  to  perforate  through  the  soil,  solitary  and  alone.     To 
insure  a  fair  chance  plant  your  seed  moderately  thick,  and  thin  out  tho 
surplus  plants  while  young.     In  planting  seed  in  drills,  which  is  the  most 
eligible  plan,  the  size  of  the  seed  and  strength  of  its  germ  should  be  consi- 
dered ;  large  seed,  producing  vigorous  roots,  require  deeper  planting  than 
diminutive  seed,  producing  delicate  roots  and  slender  stalks. 

4.  In  the  choice  of  compost  for  exotic  or  greenhouse  plants,  imitate  the 
native  soil  of  each  peculiar  species  as  nearly  as  possible,  by  a  judicious 
mixture  of  maiden  earth,  loam,  sand,  leaf,  swamp,  and  rock  mould,  decom- 
posed manures,  and  such  other  composts  as  aie  recommended  under  the 
different  heads.     Remember,  that  although  strong  manure  is  essential  to 
the  growth  of  some  plants,  it  is  poisonous  to  others.     PURSUE,  THEN,  A 
MEDIUM  COURSE.     From  your  soil  not  being  too  stiff  or  too  light,  too  rich 
or  too  poor,  too  cool  or  too  warm,  too  close  or  too  porous,  if  not  positively 
salutary  and  congenial  to  all,  it  must  render  the  situation  of  each  endura- 
ble.    I  again  repeat,  that  temperance  in  the  use  of  aliment,  is  as  essential 
to  the  welfare  of  the  vegetable  family  as  it  is  to  the  health,  happiness,  and 
longevity  of  mankind. 

T.  BRIDGEMAN, 
New-York,  March  4,  1840. 

$3r  Since  this  address  has  been  in  press,  I  have  seen  another  article  in 
the  Poughkeepsie  JEugle,  dated  February  29,  1840,  wherein  our  modest 
and  patriotic  discoverer  gratuitously  pronounces  his  knowledge  as  superior 
to  that  of  "  all  Botanical  and  Agricultural  known  writers  /"  As  1  have 
anticipated  the  merits  of  this  second  valuable  discovery  in  my  books,  I  have 
nothing  more  to  say  than  to  remind  the  reader  that  this  uncalled  for  attack 
on  the  brethren  of  my  fraternity,  fully  justifies  not  merely  the  publication, 
but  the  most  general  circulation  of  these  my  voluntary  disclosures. 


RETROSPECTIVE  VIEW. 

THIS  summary  view  of  estimates  is  annexed,  in  order  to  aid  the  Seeds- 
man and  Gardener  in  making  out  a  bill  of  seed  for  the  purpose  of  planting 
any  given  quantity  of  ground,  under  the  regulations  suggested  in  tho 
Vegetable  Department  of  the  Young  Gardener's  Assistant,  to  which  the 
reader  is  referred  for  a  more  concise  view  of  the  subject. 

Pag* 

Artichoke;  an  ounce  of  seed  will  produce  600  plants,  -.        -.         31 

Asparagus;  one  ounce  will  be  sufficient  for  1000  plants         -         -         35 
Beans,  English  Dwarf;  one  quart  of  seed  will  be  required  for  every 

sixty  feet  of  row,  ...-._«.         49 

Beans,  Kidney  Dwarf ;  one  quart  of  seed  will  plant  from  350  to  400 

hills,  or  from  230  lo  26,0  feet  of  row,  «         -        -         43 


170  RETROSPECTIVE    VIEW. 

Beans  Pole,  or  Running  ;  one  quart  of  Lima,  or  large  running  Beans 

will  plant  about  300  hills,  or  250  feet  of  row,    ....  43 

Beet ;  one  ounce  may  be  allotted  for  every  perch,  or  pole,  45 

Borecole,  or  Kale ,  an  ounce  will  produce  4000  plants,  46 
Broccoli;  one  ounce  is  sufficient  for  4000  plants,     -         -    .     -         -50 

Cauliflower ;  an  ounce  of  this  seed  will  produce  4000  plants,           •  63 

Cabbage;  one  ounce  will  produce  4000  plants,      ....  65 

Cardoon  Artichoke ;  an  ounce  will  produce  600  plants,          -         -  63 

Carrot ;  half  an  ounce  may  be  allotted  for  every  pole,  69 

Celery  ;  an  ounce  of  seed  will  produce  10,000  plants,  60 
Corn  Salad,  or  Fetticus  ;  one  ounce  of  seed  will  sow  about  two  poles 

of  ground, .        .  63 

Cucumber;  one  ounce  of  seed  is  sufficient  for  200  hills,  65 

Egg  Plant ;  an  ounce  of  seed  will  produce  4000  plants,  67 

Endive,  or  Succory ;  an  ounce  will  yield  5000  plants,    ...  68 

Leek ;  one  ounce  of  seed  may  be  allotted  for  3000  plants,       -         -  71 

Lettuce;  an  ounce  will  produce,  say  10,000  plants,  73 

Melon  ;  one  ounce  of  seed  will  produce  from  120  to  150  hills,        -  74 

Melon,  Water ;  an  ounce  will  plant  from  40  to  50  hills,         -         -  75 

Onion ;  one  ounce  of  seed  may  be  allotted  for  every  pole,  73 

Parsley  ;  two  ounces  may  be  allowed  for  three  perches,  80 

Parsnip;  two  ounces  may  be  allotted  for  three  perches,          -         -  81 

Pepper ;  one  ounce  of  seed  will  produce  3000  plants,  82 

Peas  ;  one  quart  will  plant  from  150  to  200  feet  of  row,  84 

Potatoes  ;  from  twelve  to  sixteen  bushels  may  be  allotted  for  an  acre,  85 
Potatoes,  Sweet ;  half  a  peck  of  seed,  properly  managed,  will  produce 

15  bushels, 86 

Pumpkin  ;  one  quart  of  field  Pumpkin  will  plant  from  500  to  600 

hills,  and  one  ounce  of  the  finest  kinds  will  plant  from  50  to  SO  hills,  87 
Radish;  four  ounces  will  do  for  every  three  perches,  if  sown  broad- 
cast, and  about  half  the  quantity  if  sown  in  drills,  89 
Salsify  ;  two  ounces  of  this  seed  will  plant  three  perches,  93 
Shallots ;  four  bushels  of  bulbs  will  plant  forty  poles,  9S 
Spinach  j  if  cultivated  in  drills,  four  ounces  will  plant  five  perches  of 

land.     If  broadcast,  it  will  require  double  the  quantity,  99 
Squash;  an  ounce  of  seed  will  plant  from  50  to  100  hills,  according 

to  sorts  and  size,           ........  100 

Tomato  ;  one  ounce  of  seed  will  produce  4000  plants,          -         -  101 

Turnip  ;  one  pound  of  seed  is  sufficient  for  an  acre  of  land,          -  105 

QUANTITY  OF  GRASS  SEED  SUITABLE  TO  THE  ACRE. 


Clover,  sown  alone,  -  -  12  pounds. 
Timothy,     ------     l  peck. 

Herds  Grass, 1  bushel. 


Orchard  Grass,  -  -  -      2  bushels. 
Rye  Grass, 2  bushels. 

Lucerne,  -'••*••      8  pounds. 


For  a  pasture  for  grazing,  the  following  mixtures  of  seed  would  be  found 
excellent,  viz  :  6  pounds  of  clover  seed,  1  peck  of  herds  grass,  and  half  a 
bushel  of  Orchard  grass  s*eed— or  6  pounds  clover,  half  a  bushel  of  rye 
,  and  half  a  bushel  of  tall  meadow  oat  seed. 


171 


COMMENDATORY  NOTICES. 


"  The  first  edition  of  "  The  Young  Gardener's  Assistant "  has  been 
favourably  noticed  in  France: — "One  of  the  leading  articles  of  the  Annales 
de  C Institute  Ruyal  Horticole  de  Fromont,  is  a  long  notice  of  "  The  Young 
Gardener's  Assistant,"  by  Mr.  Thomas  Bridgeman,  of  this  city.  The 
editor,  Le  Chevalier  Soulange  Bodin,  speaks  of  the  little  work  in  very 
commendable  terms." — New  York  Farmer. 

Extract  of  a  review  of  this  work  in  the  Magazine  of  Horticulture,  Botany, 

&c.,  published  by  Ilovey  &  Co.,  Boston  : 

"  The  work  is  written  in  plain  language,  easily  to  be  understood  by  the 
young  beginner  in  gardening,  who  will  find  it  a  great  help  ;  and  its  value, 
even  to  the  experienced  person,  is  by  no  means  of  an  ordinary  character. 
IT  is  ADAPTED  TO  OUR  CLIMATE,  and  unlike  compilations  from  English 
works,  the  novice  is  not  led  into  disappointment  by  following  the  rules 
there  laid  down,  as  he  generally  is.  when  following  the  advice  of  the  latter. 
We  repeat,  that  as  far  as  the  book  pretends,  IT  is  WORTH  ALL  OTHEHS  OF 

A  SIMILAR  CHARACTER  THAT  HAVE  EVER  BEEN  PUBLISHED  IN    THIS  COUN- 
TRY ;  and  its  cheapness  should  place  it  in  the  hands  of  all  new  beginners." 

"  No  work  ever  published  has  been  so  studiously  written  to  give  plain 
useful  information.  By  being  arranged  in  the  form  of  a  catalogue,  you 
can  turn  in  a  moment  to  any  name  you  desire,  where  the  time  of  sowing, 
depth,  soil,  after  treatment,  &c.  &c.,  is  clearly  defined.  The  Calendarial 
Index,  giving  a  summary  of  work  for  every  month,  is  itself  worth  the  whole 
price  of  the  book,  and  must  have  cost  the  author  much  research  and  labor- 
ious thought.  Mr.  Bridgeman  is  not  a  theorist,  but  is  in  the  daily  practice 
of  what  he  writes,  and  of  course  well  qualified  to  direct  all  beginners  in  the 
profitable  and  delightful  employment  of  cultivating  a  garden,  '  a  profession 
and  an  employment  for  which  no  man  is  too  high  or  too  low.'  " — Genessee 
Farmer. 

"  It  will,  we  are  persuaded,  be  found,  what  the  writer  intends  it  shall  be, 
*  generally  useful  to  such  as  may  wish  to  superintend,  or  take  the  manage- 
ment of  their  own  gardens.'  Mr.  Bridgeman  is  a  gardener  himself,  in  the 
Bowery  road,  and  his  directions  are  therefore  applicable  to  our  climate — an 
advantage  of  no  little  moment." — American. 

"Among  the  plants  for  the  cultivation  of  which  '  The  Young  Gardener's 
Assistant '  contains  directions,  are  a  number  of  culinary  vegetables  not 
generally  introduced  in  the  United  States.  The  introduction  and  success- 
ful cultivation  of  useful  foreign  vegetables  add  to  the  resources  of  our 
country.  We  recently  saw,  for  instance,  in  Mr.  Bridgeman's  garden,  seve- 
ral varieties  of  Broad  Beans,  View,  fuba,  in  a  most  vigorous  and  thrifty 
growth.  They  occupied  a  clayey  spot  of  ground  that  was  not  suitable  so 
early  in  the  season  for  any  other  vegetable.  They  put  forth  a  beautiful 
blossom,  and  would  serve  as  an  ornament  for  the  flower  garden." — New 
Vork  Farmer. 


172  COMMENDATORY    NOTICES. 

"BRIDOEMAN'S  GARDENF.R'S  ASSISTANT. — The  fourth  edition  of  this 
useful  little  manual  is  published,  and  is  rendered  of  increased  value  by  the 
addition  of  several  matters  not  contained  in  either  of  the  former  editions. 
Among  these  is  a  short  and  convenient  calendar  to  assist  the  gardener's 
memory." — Evening  Post. 

"No  work  on  the  subject  of  Kitchen  Gardening  ever  published  in  this 
country  has  met  with  so  very  general  approbation  and  extensive  sale.  Mr. 
Bridgeman  is  well  known  as  one  of  our  best  gardeners,  and  writes  from  hia 
own  experience ." — Daily  Express. 

"That  work  which  teaches  us  how  to  create  and  to  improve  this  most 
innocent  and  useful  source  of  pleasure,  is  surely  worthy  of  applause  and 
patronage  ;  and  such  we  consider  'The  Young  Gardener's  Assistant.'  " 
Mjrning  Herald. 

"  The  work  is  calculated  to  be  of  immense  service  to  those  engaged  in 
Agriculture,  4  far  from  the  busy  haunts  of  men,'  and  to  the  disciples  of 
Flora,  in  the  city.  Mr.  Bridgeman  is  a  practical  gardener  and  seedsman, 
and  has  lived  many  years  on  both  sides  of  the  Atlantic." — Old  Country  man. 

"From  what  we  gather  from  the  tenor  of  Mr.  Bridgeman's  book,  we 
should  suppose  that  he  paid  but  little  attention  to  the  mere  on  dits  or  die- 
turns  of  any,  but  that  he  pursued  that  course  which  his  judgment  pointed 
out ;  and  in  this  particular,  we  value  his  book — leading  the  young  gardener 
to  depend  more  on  his  own  judgment  than  on  the  rules  of  custom." 
American  Farmer. 

"All  those  who  are  desirous  of  a  work  on  the  subject  of  Gardening,  and 
one  which  will  convey  the  best  information  on  the  management  of  Hot- 
beds, Asparagus  beds,  best  mode  of  raising  all  sorts  of  Esculent  Vegetables, 
Pruning,  Grafting  and  Budding  Fruit  Trees,  Training  the  Vine,  Preserving 
the  Fruit  from  Mildew,  &c.,  should  procure  this.  No  work  on  the  subject 
ever  published  in  this  country  has  met  with  half  as  extensive  a  sale,  or 
decided  public  approbation,  as  this  valuable  compendium.  Mr.  Bridgeman 
fully  understands  the  subject  on  which  he  treats.  The  very  rapid  sale  of 
the  eight  former  editions  is  quite  a  sufficient  recommendation." — G.  C. 
Thorburn,  in  the  Evening  Star. 

"  We  can  assure  gardeners  and  farmers  that  they  will  in  limes  and  ways 
almost  without  number,  be  amply  compensated  by  purchasing  the  book. 
Mr.  Bridgeman  bestows  preat  l.ibour  on  his  productions  of  the  pen,  not 
only  as  to  practical  matter  of  fact,  but  to  the  various  excellences  of  style 
particularly  to  clearness,  and  the  avoiding  a  redundancy  of  words.  The 
amount  of  useful  information  in  the  book  constitutes  its  value:  and  all  this 
information  is  adapted  to  this  country,  and  its  climate  and  its  soil."—— 
American  Gardener's  Magazine. 

"  From  the  cursory  examination  we  h:\ve  been  enabled  to  give  '  The 
Young  Gardener's  Assistant,'  we  should  judge  that  it  embraces  a  greater 
amount  of  practical  information,  applicable  to  our  climate,  than  can  be 
found  in  any  similar  work.  The  list  of  fruit  trees  has  been  selected  from 
the  best  authorities,  both  foreign  and  American,  and  is  sufficiently  exten- 
sive for  any  cultivator  in  this  country." — Newark  Daily  Advertiser 


COMMENDATORY    NOTICES.  173 

••The  author  is  an  experienced  practical  gardener  and  seedsman,  and  hte 
book  is  an  excellent  manual  and  guide  for  the  beginner,  whether  old  or 
young,  in  horticultural  pursuits." — Gazette. 

"  From  the  systematic  arrangement  of  the  parts,  under  appropriate  heads, 
and  the  plain  and  practical  nature  of  the  instructions,  it  must  be  an  invalua- 
ble manual  for  those  who  may  wish  to  superintend  the  management  of 
their  own  gardens. — Albany  Argus. 

Extract  of  a  letter  from  Alex'r  Walsh,  Esq.,  Lansinburg: 

Dear  Sir : — You  will  see  by  the  next  month's  New-York  Farmer,  if  you 
have  not  already  seen  by  the  Albany  papers,  that  several  copies  of  the 
Young  Gardener's  Assistant  have  been  given  as  premiums,  by  the  State 
Agricultural  Society.  Mr.  D.  B- Slingerland  and  myself  were  on  the  com- 
mittee lor  awarding  premiums,  and  thought  your  work  was  desprving 
encouragement ;  and  that  even  in  this  small  way  we  might  be  of  service  in 
bringing  it  before  the  public  as  worthy  of  being  given  as  premiums."* 

"Written  with  a  good  deal  of  practical  knowledge  of  the  subject  on 
which  it  treats.  The  directions  given,  the  author  says,  are  the  result  of 
twenty  years'  experience,  and  we  dare  to  say,  that  though  submitted  in  an 
unpretending  form,  they  will  be  found  as  useful,  if  not  more  so,  than  those 
in  more  costly  and  expensive  works." — Courier  «£  Enquirer. 

"We  have  undoubted  authority  for  pronouncing  this  work  as  worth  all 
others  of  a  similar  character  that  have  ever  been  published  in  this  country, 
from  its  adaptation  to  all  the  climates  in  the  United  State's." — N.  Y.  Sun. 

"  That  this  is  a  useful  work  is  evident  from  the  number  of  editions 
through  which  it  has  passed.  There  is  scarcely  any  employment  in  life 
more  pleasing  than  the  cultivation  of  a  Garden  with  Fruits  and  Flowers. 
Those  who  have  the  opportunity  to  indulge  themselves  in  this  gratification, 
we  have  no  doubt  will  derive  much  assistance  from  this  publication." — N. 
Y.  Tribune. 

"  Every  one  that  cultivates  a  garden  should  possess  the  work,  as  it  is  a 
complete  dictionary  for  young  beginners  in  the  delightful  field  of  Horticul- 
ture."— Working  Man's  Advocate. 

"No  work  on  the  subject  ever  published  in  this  country  has  met  with 
half  as  extensive  a  sale  or  decided  approbation,  as  this  valuable  compen- 
dium. Mr.  Bridgeman  fully  understands,  from  practical  experience,  the 
subject  on  which  he  treats.  The  Calcndarial  Index  arranges  the  work  for 
every  month,  and  refers  to  the  various  parts  of  the  book  how  to  proceed. 
This  of  itself  is  worth  the  price  of  the  whole  work,  and  cost  the  author 
immense  labour.  The  rapid  sale  of  the  former  editions,  together  with  the 
commendation  of  every  Agricultural  and  Horticultural  Journal  in  America, 
and  several  in  England,  is  quite  sufficient  recommendation.  The  present 
edition  both  explains  and  fully  makes  known  what  was  thought  to  be  a 
great  discovery  (as  great  as  steam)  on  the  preservation  of  Fruit  Trees, 
Plants,  &c.,  and  which,  to  make  known  to  the  people  of  these  United 
States,  an  application  was  made  to  the  25th  Congress  to  vote  the  supposed 

•The  American  Institute  has  also  awaidtd  several  copies  cf  this  work  as  premium*  foi 
superior  specimens  of  garden  products 


174  COMMENDATORY    NOTICES. 

author  of  the  discovery  a  sum  equal  to  five  cents  from  each  individual  in  the 
United  States — or  about  a  million  of  dollars.  Mr.  Bridgeman  ha?  clearly 
proved  this  discovery  from  his  long  observation  of  the  course  of  nature  and 
treatment  of  Trees  and  plants,  and  which  only  occupies  some  four  or  five 
pages  of  the  work." — N.  Y.  Commercial,  by  G.  C.  TAorburn. 

•'  THE  FLORIST'S  GUIDE. — A  delightful  little  book,  which  we  advise  every 
body  to  purchase — at  least  every  body  that  has  the  least  liking  for  the 
pleasing  occupation  on  which  it  treats." — Courier  $  Enquirer. 

<:The  Florist's  Guide,"  like  its  companion,  "  The  Young  Gardener's  As- 
sistant," is  a  useful  work,  which  every  Gardener  and  Florist  may  consult 
to  advantage.  It  gives  minute  directions  concerning  plants  of  various  spe- 
cies; the  names  and  characters  of  each  being  alphabetically  arranged,  makes 
it  an  invaluable  manual  for  those  who  may  wish  to  superintend  the 
management  of  their  own  gardens." — Newark  Daily  Advertiser. 

"  This  is  one  of  the  best  works  on  the  subject  ever  published  in  any 
country  :  it  contains  Practical  Directions  for  the  Cultivation  of  Annual, 
Biennial,  and  Perennial  Flowering  Plants,  of  ditferent  classes,  Herbaceous 
and  Shrubby,  Bulbous.  Fibrous,  and  Tuberous-rooted,  including  the  Double 
Dahlia,  Greenhouse  Plants  in  Rooms,  &c.  &c. 

"A  work  of  the  above  kind  has  been  long  wanted  ;  hitherto,  it  required 
an  expenditure  of  some  three  or  four  dollars  to  get  any  kind  of  readable 
directions  for  small  gardens,  window  gardening,  plants  in  rooms,  &c., 
which,  when  procured,  were  so  full  of  botanical  foppery,  that  plain,  honest 
people,  after  wading  through  some  three  or  four  hundred  panes,  were  as 
wise  as  to  knowing  how  to  set  about  their  gardening,  as  when  they  com- 
menced their  book.  The  present  little  work  obviates  all  these  difficulties. 
The  author  is  well  known  as  one  of  our  practical  gardeners,  and  it  may  be 
truly  said  he  has  rendered  the  ladies  in  particular  (for  whom  the  work  was 
projected)  an  essential  service ;  the  directions  for  the  care  of  the  Camellia 
Japonica,  the  Double  Dahlia,  the  sowing  and  treatment  of  Annual 
Flower  Seed,  &c.,  are  alone  worth  double  the  price  of  the  book  ;  so  is  the 
Calendarial  Index,  which,  by  the  untiring  industry  of  Mr.  Bridgeman,  is 
made  to  include  in  some  half  dozen  pages,  more  valuable  information  than 
is  to  be  found  in  some  pon  ierous  octavos  on  the  same  subject." — G.  O 
Thurburn,from  the,  N.  Y.  Commercial. 

"  The  style  is  free,  and  the  language  appropriate  ;  the  plan  is  judicious, 
and  the  contents  embrace  much  well  arranged  practical  information,  unen- 
cumbered with  disquisitions  foreign  to  the  object  of  the  work.     We  very 
cheerfully  recommend  it  to  our  readers  as  a  cheap  and  useful  book." 
Gardener's  Magazine. 


The  Florist's  Guide  has  also  been  very  favourably  noticed  by  the  editors 
ot  many  other  very  respectable  periodicals,  as  a  work  eminently  calculated 
to  promote  a  love  for  the  cultivation  and  correct  management  of  flowers—- 
the study  of  which,  remarks  one  of  these  writers,  "  refines  the  taste,  and 
imparts  just  and  ennobling  views  of  the  wise  provisions  of  nature." 


175 


LINES 

SUGGESTED  BY  THE  AWARD  OF  A  GOLD  MEDAL  TO  THE  AUTHOR 
OF  '  THE  YOUNG  GARDENER'S  ASSISTANT,'  AT  THE  FOURTEENTH 
ANNUAL  FAIR  OF  THE  AMERICAN  INSTITUTE,  1841,  FOR  ITS 
GREAT  PRACTICAL  UTILITY. 


BY  D.  MITCHELL. 


As  VALOR'S  meed,  and  Honor's  brightest  test, 

I've  seen  a  MEDAL  on  a  Warrior's  breast; 

But  to  my  mind  it  brought  sad  scenes  to  view — 

The  sweeping  carnage  of  red  Waterloo — 

Th    orphan's  tear — the  widow's  drooping  head, 

For  slaughter'd  heroes  on  false  glory's  bed — 

The  earth  made  desolate,  its  fruits  despoil'd, 

By  mad  Ambition,  fearless  and  unfoil'd  ! 

Not  so  the  Token  thou  hast  gained  from  Peace, 

Thou  lov'st  to  see  fair  N ature's  wide  increase, 

And  the  "  Young  Gard'ner,"  in  thy  fertile  book, 

Finds  an  "  Assistant "  not  to  be  mistook  ! 

Thine  is  the  pleasing  art  to  cultivate, 

Fill  Plenty's  horn,  and  better  man's  estate ; 

Thine  is  the  wish  the  Cotter's  life  to  mend, 

And  teach  him  that  a  garden  is  his  friend  : 

That  Virtue  smiles — sheds  blessings  on  his  head, 

And  makes  him  happy  in  his  humble  shed, 

Who  tends  his  "  little  patch  "  in  well  spent  hours, 

Amid  his  kitchen  treasures  and  his  flowers; 

That  Vice  ne'er  mars  a  lovely  scene  like  this — 

The  consummation  of  the  poor  man's  bliss ! 

Health,  my  firm  friend,  long  life  and  health  to  thee, 

Health  to  the  scions  from  the  parent  tree; 

Well  may  thy  trophy  be  a  source  of  pride, 

May  they  preserve  it,  whatsoe'r  betide: 

'Tia  a  memento  for  imparting  good, 

More  nobly  won  than  that  for  shedding  blood ! 


APPENDIX, 

CONTAINING  REMARKS  ON  THE  ALLEGED  DISEASE  OF  THE  POTATO. 


As  I  have  not  in  the  article  Potato,  page  86,  attempted  to  give  its 
oistory,  I  would  here  inform  the  reader,  that  the  Potato  was  cultivated 
in  Britain,  by  Gerard,  the  English  Botanist,  in  1590,  and  was  soon  after- 
wards recommended  by  Sir  Walter  Raleigh  as  a  nutritious  vegetable; 
but  although  first  discovered  on  this  continent,  it  spread  so  slowly,  that 
nearly  a  century  elapsed  before  this  excellent  root  had  become  a  regular 
dish  on  the  Farmer's  table  in  New  England.  The  following  account 
of  the  early  reception  is  too  good  to  be  lost  It  is  recorded  in  the  N.  Y. 
Farmer  and  Mechanic  that  two  brothers,  named  Clarke,  settled  in  Con- 
necticut, early  in  the  18th  century,  and  purchased  a  farm  near  Chatham. 
"  On  a  hill  which  still  bears  the  name  of  Clarke  Hill,  half  a  peck  of 
potatoes  were  planted,  and  after  the  balls  had  ripened  on  the  vines,  it 
was  proposed  to  gather  some  with  a  view  to  taste  the  wonderful  pro- 
duct; some  balls  were  accordingly  picked  and  boiled,  and  being  placed 
on  the  table,  were  approached  with  great  caution.  It  was  at  length 
concluded  that  an  old  negro  should  first  taste  of  this  rare  vegetable, 
whose  report  was  by  no  means  satisfactory;  others  also  tasted,  and  the 
dish  was  condemned  as  unworthy  their  table  and  attention ;  the  negro 
was  therefore  directed  to  go  and  destroy  the  vines ;  in  doing  so,  he 
pulled  up  some  potatoes  with  the  tops;  and,  amazed  at  the  sight,  soon 
elicited  the  discovery  that  the  real  fruit  was  to  be  looked  for  at  the  root 
end  of  the  plant." 

As  this  vegetable  is  now  considered  one  of  the  most  important  pro- 
ductions of  the  earth,  upwards  of  one  hundred  millions  of  bushels 
being  raised  in  the  United  States  in  a  single  year,  a  deficient  or  defec- 
tive crop  is  acknowledged  by  all  to  be  such  a  serious  calamity  as  to 
incite  the  most  diligent  enquiry  into  the  nature  and  cause  of  the  defect, 
or  deficiency. 

As  the  seasons  of  1843  and  '4  were  unfavorable  to  the  growth  and 
preservation  of  late  potatoes,  the  American  Institute  encouraged  an 
investigation  and  discussion  of  the  subject  amongst  the  members  of  th* 


178  APPENDIX. 

Farmers'  Club ;  the  result  of  which  was  published  in  the  "  New- York 
Farmer  and  Mechanic,"  vol.  ii.,  November,  1844,  from  which  I  have 
selected  the  following  extracts : 

'*  That  the  disease  may  proceed  from  some  chemical  action  in  the 
atmosphare,  or  from  peculiar  location,  as  high  or  low,  new  or  old 
land,  and  that  some  varieties  are  more  liable  to  disease  than  others," 
page  290. 

•*  That  the  potato  disease  was  imported  from  Great  Britain  two  or 
three  years  ago ;  and  that  a  gentleman,  from  microscopic  examination, 
discovered  in  the  tubers  a  growth  of  fungus,  a  plant  analagous  to  the 
mushroom  family.  These  fungi  seeds  although  invisible  to  the  naked 
eye  are  readily  carried  about  by  the  winds,  and  will  penetrate  wherever 
air  will.  Baing  once  introduced  from  Europe,  their  extensive  dissemi- 
nation here  is  very  easy.  These  seeds  falling  on  the  potato  in  favour- 
able circumstances  as  to  moisture,  &c.  cause  the  disease,"  291.*  The 
application  of  common  salt  to  the  soil,  previous  to  planting,  is  suggested 
as  a  remedy.  Lime  and  charcoal  dust  sown  on  the  ground  after  plant 
ing  is  also  recommended. 

Anoth3r  correspondent  asserts,  "  that  the  disease  is  an  old  one,  having 
been  long  known  in  Germany,  as  well  as  in  England,  and  that  there 
are  in  fact  two  distinct  distempers,  one  of  which  is  called  dry  rot,  and 
the  othsr  wet  rot ;  the  dry  rot  often  appears  in  a  whitish  surface ;  if 
the  wet  rot  sets  in,  it  is  black,  and  soft  worms  are  to  be  found  in  the 
putrifying  parts.  The  direct  origin  of  the  disease  is  a  fungus,  the 
rsmote  origin  is  something  else.  One  of  the  most  fertile  causes  of  this 
disease  is  the  habit  of  using  farm  yard  manure  in  a  state  of  fermentation. f 
Plants,  in  a  healthy  growing  state,  are  rarely  attacked  by  the  fungus ; 
probably,  therefore,  some  change  takes  place  in  potatoes  before  the 
fungus  begins,"  page  307. 

*  If  it  be  true  that  an  infectious  disease  exists  amongst  the  potatoes  of  that  country,  much 
cont  tins  a  less  quantity  of  land  than  one  of  our  largest  States,  it  may  be  asked,  how  a  pro- 
portion could  be  shipped  here  in  an  eatable  and  plat  table  condition,  after  reserving  a  sufficiency 
'for  a  population  of  upwards  of  twenty  millions  of  inhabitants,  who  raise  them  for  their  cattle 
as  well  as  for  table  use. 

»  It  is  upwards  of  thirty  years  since  I  commenced  cultivating  potatoes,  which,  according  to 
th?  seasons,  has  been  attended  with  variable  success.  In  1820  my  potatoes  were  so  bad  as 
to  be  scarcely  eatable,  I  however  planted  some  of  them  for  seed  the  year  following,  on  land 
situated  near  the  Bowery,  where  Third  street  now  is,  which  was  manured  with  livery  stable 
dung ;  and  the  product  was  the  best  I  ever  eat.  Last  season  several  of  my  acquaintance  raised 
their  early  and  late  crops  from  the  same  lot  of  seed,  with  different  results.  Those  planted  in 
April  pr  iduced  an  abundance  of  excellent  potatoes,  while  the  product  of  those  planted  in  Juno 
and  July  were  represented  as  diseased  and  scarcely  worth  digging.  The  difference  in  all  those 
cases  nv.nt  have  been  occasioned  by  the  weather  and  not  by  the  seed.  A  change  of  soil  how- 
fever,  will  sometimes  cause  a  difference  in  the  quality  of  potatoes. 


APPENDIX 


179 


••  That  the  disease  in  the  potato  arises  from  a  small  fly  which  lays 
its  eggs  in  the  vines  shortly  after  they  come  up,  which  turn  into  maggots 
and  pass  through  the  tube  of  the  vine  into  the  potato.  A  table  spoon- 
ful of  poudrette  to  each  plant  is  in  this  case  recommended  as  a  pre- 
ventive," page  324. 

Others  contend  that  as  every  plant  cultivated  in  the  same  soil  for  a 
long  period  is  liable  to  become  deteriorated,  a  new  generation  of  plants 
from  seed  of  a  healthy  crop  is  essential  to  preserve  their  pristine  excel- 
lence. A  gentleman  present,  however,  informed  the  Club,  that  his 
seedlings  were  found  in  a  decayed  state  the  same  as  others,"  page  290 

As  it  is  not  my  intention  to  discourage  a  farther  investigation  of  this 
subject,  I  shall  not  pass  censure  upon  the  ideas  above  advanced,  but 
offer  a  few  remarks  founded  on  observation  and  the  study  of  nature, 
which,  I  trust,  will  prove  acceptable  to  the  public. 

I  have,  in  several  pages  of  "  the  Young  Gardener's  Assistant,"  re- 
minded my  readers  that  the  various  species  of  plants  which  are  cultivated 
in  our  gardens  and  fields,  require  each  their  peculiar  aliment,  they 
having  been  collected  from  all  the  diversified  climates  and  soils  in  our 
globe;  and  I  would  here  add,  that  it  is  a  matter  of  astonishment,  that 
so  large  a  proportion  of  the  fruits  of  the  earth  should  be  produced  in 
perfection  in  any  one  climate,  especially  in  unfavourable  weather,  to 
which  every  part  of  the  earth  is  at  times  liable. 

In  page  26  of  the  first  part,  I  have  furnished  a  classification  of  the 
most  important  vegetables  cultivated  in  our  gardens,  in  which  I  have 
shown  that  the  most  essential  aliment  to  natives  of  warm  climates  is 
heat,  and  of  temperate  climates  moisture,  and  that  the  three  elements 
HEAT,  AIR,  and  MOISTURE,  constitute  the  food  of  plants  in  general.  I 
J»ave  also  recommended  my  readers  to  make  choice  of  the  seasons  best 
adapted  to  the  various  articles  they  may  wish  to  cultivate,  as  it  is  an 
indubitable  fact  that  the  element  essential  to  the  production  of  some 
vegetables  is  destructive  to  others,  which  in  realily  cannot  be  raised  at 
all  under  unpropitious  circumstances.  In  proof  of  the  above  assertion, 
I  would  remind  the  reader  that  various  kinds  of  fruit  are  deficient  in 
unfavourable  seasons.  Cherries  for  instance,  in  the  event  of  a  single 
week's  rain,  in  a  certain  stage  of  growth,  will  rot  on  the  trees;  and  it 
must  be  admitted  that  other  fruits  deteriorate,  or  lose  their  most  essential 
flavour  in  the  absence  of  suitable  aliment.  Why,  then,  I  would  ask, 
should  we  expect  potato  crops  to  be  uniformly  good  every  year. 

It  would  be  difficult  to  name  any  production  of  the  earth,  that  yields 
full  and  perfect  crops  annually ;  on  the  contrary,  it  is  well  known  that 


180 


APPENDIX. 


famine  has  been  of  frequent  occurrence  in  many  populous  countries, 
through  short  or  defective  supplies  of  the  necessaries  of  life. 

It  is  conceded  by  the  generality  of  those  who  have  investigated  the 
subject  of  disease  in  potatoes,  that  the  tubers  soon  become  defective 
after  the  tops  cease  to  grow;  and  common  observation  teacheth  that 
when  plants  of  a  succulent  nature  are  deprived  of  their  functions  or 
means  of  growing  luxuriantly,  they  continue  to  deteriorate  until  their 
juices  become  so  corrupt,  that  they  not  only  die,  but  contaminate  the 
earth  in  which  they  were  planted,  to  the  destruction  of  their  neighbour- 
ing inmates  of  the  garden  or  field ;  and  even  potato  tubers,  after  being 
taken  from  the  earth,  will  injure  those  which  come  in  contact  with  them 
by  the  emission  of  their  corrupt  juices 

Mr.  Teschemacher,  in  a  communication  published  in  "  the  New 
England  Fanner,"  observes,  "  That  the  potato  decays  previous  to  the 
appearance  of  worms,  and  that  worms  are  never  found  in  the  sound 
part  of  the  potato  either  eating  their  way  in,  or  depositing  their  eggs, 
nor  have  1  seen  the  worms  in  that  part  of  the  potato  in  which  the 
fungus  have  already  commenced  vegetating;  it  is  only  in  the  rotten 
part  that  the  worms  exist  after  the  fungus  has  caused  the  decay.  These 
worms  are  uniform,  and  appear  to  be  of  the  same  species  from  whatever 
cause  the  decay  may  arise." 

It  is  precisely  the  case  with  other  kinds  of  vegetables,  and  also  with 
fruit;  and  it  is  evident  that  all  those  worms,  insects,  and  reptiles  which 
prey  upon  the  vegetable  family,  are  more  partial  to  that  particular  kind 
of  vegetable  matter  which  first  generated  them,  than  to  any  other;  hence 
the  Peach  insects  feed  on  its  fruit  in  embryo,  as  well  as  in  a  state  of, 
and  even  beyond  maturity ;  the  Cabbage  worms  also  prey  on  plants  of 
the  same  genera  or  species ;  and  when  those  enemies  of  the  vegetable 
family  cannot  obtain  the  parts  which  are  the  most  palatable  to  them, 
or  congenial  to  their  nature,  they  will  feed  upon  diseased  trees,  plants, 
or  other  matter,  which  contain  similar  juices,  or  nutriment,  in  prefer- 
ence to  any  other  description  of  food. 

It  is  generally  allowed  that  the  early  planted  potatoes  have  for  the 
last  two  years,  yielded  as  well  as  usual,  and  that  they  have  been  of 
very  superior  quality.  It  is  only  the  late  crops  which  are  complained 
of.  Now,  it  must  be  admitted  that  if  the  seed  potatoes  planted  in  June 
or  July,  whether  raised  here,  or  imported,  had  been  diseased,  they  would 
have  shown  it  at  the  time  of  their  being  cut  and  prepared  for  planting, 
as  it  is  notorious  that  the  discovery  of  defect  is  generally  made  at  the 
time  of  gathering  the  crop,  or  soon  after  they  are  heaped  together. 


APPENDIX.  181 

it  must,  however,  be  conceded,  that  seed  potatoes  kept  until  July  for 
the  purpose  of  late  planting,  may  have  become  deteriorated,  because  those 
roots  being  biennial  cannot  be  expected  to  retain  their  health  and  vigour 
to  so  late  a  period ;  which,  in  some  measure,  accounts  for  early  varieties 
being  more  seriously  affected  by  the  extreme  heat  than  the  lale  keeping 
red-skinned  varieties,  which  will  retain  their  vegetative  properties  even 
in  dry  seasons,  so  as  to  produce  a  good  crop  if  not  retarded  by  being 
over  heated,  to  which  they  are  liable,  especially  if  placed  in  contact 
with  acrid  manure,  which  is  destructive  to  all  descriptions  of  plants  in 
hot  dry  weather.  New  land  without  manure  generally  produces  the 
best  crops  in  dry  seasons 

It  may  be  observed  farther,  that  when  the  leaves  or  vines  of  the 
potato  wither  prematurely  through  extreme  heat,  the  tubers  become  af- 
fected to  such  a  degree,  that  rain  late  in  the  season  hastens  their  de- 
struction instead  of  nurturing  them,  they  consequently  return  to  their 
native  element. 

From  the  above  considerations,  as  well  as  from  the  knowledge  I  have 
acquired  of  the  nature  of  plants  in  general,  I  have  come  to  the  conclu- 
sion that  the  alleged  disease  in  potatoes  was  not  occasioned  by  defective 
seed,  but  by  the  extreme  heat  of  the  Summer,  followed  by  the  excessive 
rain  in  Autumn.*  In  some  instances  the  defect  may  have  been  acceler- 
ated by  an  injudicious  use  of  acrid  manure,  and  in  others  from  their 
being  planted  in  low  undrained  ground.  It  often  happens  that  potatoes 
deteriorate  from  not  being  properly  dried  when  taken  from  the  ground, 
which  on  being  heaped  together,  become  heated,  and  consequently  rot 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

THOMAS  BRIDGEMAN. 
NEW- YORK,  February  1st,  1845 

*  As  this  review  was  elicited  by  the  discussions  relative  to  the  defect  in  potatoes  the  last 
two  years,  the  conclusion  has  special  reference  thereto.  It  must,  however,  be  acknowledged, 
that  the  extremes  of  HEAT,  COLD,  and  MOISTURE,  are  alike  detrimental  to  vegetation  in  all 
seasons ;  and  that  hot  dry  summers  are  often  attended  with  icsuJtt  as  fatal  to  vcfetabk 
productions  as  the  coldness  of  winter. 


182  DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OF    APPLES. 

SELECT  DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  APPLES, 

Continued  from  page  46,  Part  III. 

BEAUTY  OF  KENT.  Fruit  very  large,  roundish,  but  flat  at  the  base ;  skin 
smooth,  greenish  yellow,  with  stripes  of  purplish  red ;  flesh  juicy,  crisp,  and 
tender,  with  an  agreeable  sub-acid  flavour :  in  October  and  November. 

CANADIAN  REINETTE,  Reinette  du  Canada  blanche,  Portugal  Apple,  Grosse 
Reinelte  d'Angletene,  Pomme  du  Caen,  Mela  Janurea.  Fruit  large,  broad, 
and  flat ;  skin  greenish  yellow,  tinged  with  brown  ;  flesh  yellowish  white, 
firm,  juicy,  and  of  a  high  sub-acid  flavour:  from  December  to  March. 

CHANDLER.  A  native  winter  fruit  of  Pomfret,  Connecticut.  Large,  round- 
ish, slightly  flattened  ;  skin  thickly  streaked  with  dull  red  on  a  greenish  yellow 
ground  with  gray  dots  ;  flesh  greenish  white,  tender,  juicy,  and  rich. 

COURT  OF  WICK  PIPPIN,  Fry's  Pippin,  Golden  Drop,  Wood's  Transparent 
Pippin,  Phillip's  Reinette,  Knightwick  Pippin.  An  English  winter  variety, 
well  adapted  for  Canada  or  Maine.  Fruit  below  the  middle  size,  regularly 
formed,  roundish-ovate ;  skin  greenish  yellow,  mottled  with  orange  and  ret!  at 
maturity;  flesh  pale  yellow,  tender,  juicy,  and  high  flavoured. 

DUTCH  MIGNONNE,  Reinette  Dor'ce,  Ptmme  de  Laak,  Paterrosfer  Apple.  A 
winter  fruit,  large,  roundish  ;  skin  dull  orange,  streaked  and  moltled  with  red, 
dotted  with  russet ;  flesh  crisp ;  juice  plentiful,  witli  a  delicious  aromatic  flavour. 

EASTER  PIPPIN,  Claremont  Pippin,  Ironstone  Pippin,  Young's  Long 
Keeping,  French  Crab.  Fruit  middle  size,  somewhat  globular;  skin  deep 
green,  shaded  with  a  pale  livid  brown;  flesh  very  firm,  and  though  not  juicy, 
of  a  good,  sub-acid  flavour.  This  variety  will  keep  sound  two  years. 

HEREFORDSHIRE  PEARMAIN,  Winter  Pearmain,  Royal  Pearmain,  Royale 
d' Angleterre.  A  fine  winter  dessert  fruit  above  medium  size,  form  oblong; 
skin  russety  green,  mottled  with  red,  and  dotted  with  grayish  specks ;  flesh 
tender,  with  pleasant  aromatic  flavour.  Tree  an  abundant  bearer. 

LYSCUM,  Osgood's  Favourite.  A  Massachusetts  variety  of  merit.  Fruit 
large,  round  ;  skin  greenish  yellow,  mottled  with  red  ;  flesh  fine  grained,  ex- 
ceedingly mild  and  agreeable  in  flavour:  in  use  from  September  to  November. 

LYMAN'S  PUMPKIN  SWEET.  A  very  large  apple  raised  by  Mr.  8.  Lyman, 
Manchester,  Connecticut.  Skin  smooth,  pale  yellow ;  flesh  firm,  sweet,  ju;cy» 
and  excellent  for  baking  :  in  the  autumn.  The  tree  bears  prodigious  crops. 

NORTHERN  SPY.  A  native  variety  of  the  Spitzenburgh  family.  Fruit  large, 
conical,  considerably  ribbed  ;  skin  smooth,  yellow  ground,  nearly  covered  with 
rich  dark  red  and  purplish  streaks ;  flesh  yellowish  white,  and  of  a  rich,  aro- 
matic, sub-acid  flavour :  good  from  December  to  May. 

PECK'S  PHEASANT.  This  variety  resembles  the  Yellow  Newtown  Pippin, 
only  it  is  larger;  skin  smooth,  and  when  first  gathered  green,  changing  to 
yellow,  with  bright  blush  cheek  and  scattered  gray  dots  ;  flesh  yellowish,  fine 
grained,  juicy,  and  tender,  with  a  delicious  high  aromatic  flavour  in  winter. 

Ross  NONPAREIL.  A  delicious  Irish  variety,  approaching  in  flavour  to  some 
kinds  of  pear ;  fruit  below  medium  size,  roundish ;  skin  qovered  with  a  thin. 
mellow  russet,  faintly  stained  with  red  ;  flesh  greenish  white,  tender,  and  of. 
a  rich  aromatic  flavour :  in  perfection  the  end  of  October.  Tree  a  profuse 
bearer,  and  worthy  of  a  place  in  every  amateur's  garden. 

SUMMER  SWEET  PARADISE.  A  Pennsylvania  fruit  of  large  size ;  round,  a 
Mttle  flattened  at  both  ends  ;  skin  rather  thick,  pale  green,  tinged  with  yellow, 
and  sprinkled  with  large  gray  dots;  flesh  tender,  crisp,  juicy,  and  of  a  sweet, 
rich,  aromatic  flavour  :  ripe  in  August  and  September. 

SOPS  OP  WINE,  Rode  Wyn  Appel,  Sapson,  Sops  in  Wine.  A  handsome 
little  autumn  apple  for  the  dessert ;  skin  smooth,  crimson,  covered  with  a  delicate 
light  bloom :  flesh  white,  with  stains  of  a  pinkish  hue,  firm,  crisp,  and  juicy. 


DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  CHERRIES.  183 

VICTUALS  AND  DRINK,  Biff  Sweet,  Pompey.  Fruit  large,  oblong,  rather  ir- 
regular:  skin  rough,  dull  yellow,  marbled  with  russet ;  flesh  yellowish,  tender, 
breaking,  and  of  a  rich  sprightly  flavour:  in  perfection  from  October  to 
March.  The  tree  is  a  moderate  bearer. 

WINESAP,  Wine  Sop.  This  is  a  good  winter  apple  for  the  table,  and  one  of 
the  finest  cider  fruits;  it  is  of  medium  size,  rather  oblong ;  skin  smooth,  of  a 
fine  dark  red  and  yellow  ground  ;  flesh  yellow,  firm,  with  a  rich  high  flavour. 


SELECT  DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  CHERRIES, 

Continued  from  page  56,  Part  III. 

ALLEN'S  SWEET  MONTMORENCY,  Late  Montmorency .  A  seedling  raised  by 
J.  F.  Allen,  Esq.,  of  Salem,  Massachusetts.  Fruit  of  medium  size,  nearly 
round  ;  skin  pale  amber,  mottled  with  red  ;  flesh  yellowish,  tender,  sweet,  and 
excellent.  It  is  a  good  bearer,  and  ripens  its  fruit  late  in  July. 

BAUMANN'S  MAY,  Wilder's  Bigarreau  de  Mai.  A  very  early  variety  im- 
ported by  Col.  Wilder;  fruit  rather  small,  oval  heart-shaped;  skin  deep  rich 
red  ;  flesh,  when  fully  ripe,  sweet  and  good  :  ripe  by  the  end  of  May. 

BIGARREAU  CHINA,  Chinese  Heart.  A  fine  variety  raised  by  the  late  Mr. 
W.  Prince,  of  Flushing,  L.  I.  Fruit  of  medium  size,  oval  heart-shaped, 
with  a  distinct  suture  line;  skin,  when  fully  ripe,  glossy  red,  mottled  with 
numerous  light  spots  ;  flesh  firm,  and  of  a  rich  peculiar  flavour :  late  in  July. 

BIGARREAU  HOLLAND,  Spotted  Bigarreau,  Armstrong's  Bigarreau.  Fruit 
very  large,  of  a  regular  heart-shape ;  skin  pale  yellow,  mottled  and  spotted 
with  bright  red  ;  flesh  juicy,  sweet,  and  excellent :  towards  the  end  of  June, 

BIGARREAU  TARDIF  DE  HILDESHEIM,  Hildesheim  Bigarreau.  Fruit  of  me- 
dium size,  heart-shaped ;  skin  yellow,  mottled  and  marbled  with  red ;  flesh 
pale  yellow,  firm,  with  a  sweet  and  agreeable  flavour.  This  variety  ripens 
here  in  August,  and  is  considered  by  Thompson  the  latest  sweet  cherry  known. 

DOWNING'S  RED  CHEEK.  An  excellent  seedling  cherry  raised  at  the  nursery 
of  A.  J.  Downing,  Newburgh.  Fruit  rather  large,  regularly  obtuse  heart- 
shaped  ;  skin  thin,  white,  with  a  rich  dark  crimson  cheek;  flesh  yellowish,  of 
a  sweet  and  luscious  flavour :  about  the  middle  of  June. 

DOWNTON.  A  beautiful  variety  raised  by  T.  A.  Knight,  of  Downton  Castle, 
England.  Fruit  very  large,  blunt  heart-shaped  ;  skin  cream  colour,  stained 
and  marbled  with  red  dots  ;  a  delicious  cherry  early  in  July. 

EARLY  PURPLE  GUIGNE,  Early  Purple  Griotte.  An  early  variety  ripening 
towards  the  end  of  May,  newly  introduced  from  England.  Fruit  of  medium 
size  ;  skin  dark  red  and  purple  ;  flesh  purple,  tender,  juicy,  and  delicious. 

MANNING'S  MOTTLED,  Mottled  Bigarreau.  A  beautiful  heart  cherry,  raised 
by  Mr.  Manning  from  a  seed  of  the  Bigarreau ;  fruit  above  medium  size, 
roundish  heart-shaped ;  skin  glossy  amber  colour,  mottled  with  red ;  flesh, 
when  fully  ripe,  yellow  and  tender,  with  a  delicious  juice :  ripens  late  in  June. 

TRANSPARENT  GUIGNE,  Transparent  Gean,  Transparent.  Fruit  small, 
borne  in  pairs,  and  heart-shaped;  skin  glossy,  thin,  and  nearly  transparent ; 
colour  yellowish  white,  delicately  mottled  with  fine  red  ;  flesh  tender,  melting, 
and  sweet :  ripe  early  in  July. 


SELECT  DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  FOREIGN  GRAPES, 

Continued  from  page  78,  Part  III. 

[Those  designated  thus  *  will  ripen  in  the  open  air.    Those  marked  thus  f  require 
but  little  forcing  in  favourable  seasons.] 

*  BLACK  CLUSTER,  Black  Morillon,  True  Burgundy,  Early  Black,  Au- 


181  DESCRIPTIVE   LIST  OF  FOREIGN  GRAPES. 

verna.  Bunches  rather  larger  than  those  of  the  Miller's  Burgundy ;  berries 
middle  size,  somewhat  oval ;  skin  of  a  very  black  colour ;  juice  rich  and 
sweet:  the  fruit  ripens  in  the  open  air  about  the  middle  of  September. 

BLACK  DAMASCUS,  Worksop  Manor  Grape.  Bunches  middle  size  ;  berries 
large,  globular;  skin  thin,  of  a  h'ne  black  colour;  flesh  delicate ;  juice  rich, 
and  of  exquisite  flavour  when  properly  cultivated  under  glass. 

t  BLACK  FRONTIGNAN,  Black  Frontignac,  Violet  Frontignac,  Muscat  Noir, 
Black  Constantia  of  some.  Berries  of  medium  size,  round,  and  grow  close  on 
the  bunches;  skin  black;  flesh  tender;  the  juice  of  a  rich  vinous  musky  fla- 
vour :  it  ripens  in  October,  in  favourable  seasons  without  tire-heat. 

t  BLACK  HAMBURGH,  Warner's  Black  Hamburgh,  Potier  Bleu,  Victoria 
of  some  collections.  Bunches  tolerably  large,  with  two  short  compact  shoul- 
ders ;  berries  pretty  large,  of  an  oval  figure  ;  skin  rather  thick,  of  a  deep  pur- 
ple colour,  nearly  black ;  flesh  tender ;  juice  sugary  and  rich :  a  good  and  reg- 
ular bearer.  Witmot's  New  Black  Hamburgh  is  said  to  bear  larger  berries. 

BLACK  LOMBARDY,  West 's  St,  Peter's,  Bunches  long,  with  large  shoulders ; 
berries  large,  roundish  oval ;  skin  thin,  very  black  at  maturity  ;  juice  plentiful 
and  high  flavoured  :  it  requires  a  high  temperature,  and  is  then  a  great  bearer. 

BLACK  MUSCAT  OF  ALEXANDRIA,  Red  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Red  Fron- 
tignac of  Jerusalem.  Bunches  large  and  shouldered ;  berries  large,  oval ; 
skin  thick,  of  a  reddish  colour,  becoming  black  at  maturity  ;  flesh  quite  firm, 
with  a  rich  vinous  flavour :  requires  a  vinery  with  fire-heat. 

t  BLACK  MUSCADINE,  Black  Chasselas.  Chasselas  Noir.  Bunches  of  me- 
dium size,  compact ;  berries  globular ;  skin  black,  covered  with  fine  bloom ; 
juice  rich  if  well  ripened  :  it  requires  a  vinery. 

t  BLACK  PRINCE.  Bunches  rather  long ;  berries  large,  oval ;  skin  dark 
blackish  purple,  covered  with  a  thick  blue  bloom ;  flesh  white,  abounding  with 
sweet  well-flavoured  juice:  this  variety  will  ripen  here  in  the  open  air,  and 
bear  profusely  in  the  vinery  with  the  easiest  culture. 

BiLACK  ST.  PETER'S,  Black  Palestine,  Saint  Peter's.  Bunches  pretty  large 
and  long  ;  berries  rather  large,  almost  globular;  skin  thin,  of  a  black  colour; 
flesh  delicate,  with  a  very  excellent  and  well-flavoured  juice  :  this  is  one  of  the 
best  sorts  for  a  vinery  without  fire-heat,  and  the  fruit  may  be  preserved  on  the 
vine  for  early  winter  use. 

CHASSELAS  MOSQUE,  Musk  Chasselas.  Bunches  of  medium  size;  berries 
middle  size,  round  ;  skin  thin,  yellowish  white ;  flesh  tender ;  juice  rich  and 
abundant :  the  highest  flavoured  chasselas  known,  having  much  of  the  flavour 
of  the  Muscat  of  Alexandria  when  properly  forced. 

CHASSELAS  ROUGE,  Red  Muscadine,  Red  Chasselas.  The  berries  of  this 
variety  are  something  larger  than  those  of  the  Black  Muscadine,  they  are  of  a 
dark  red  colour,  when  highly  ripened  in  the  vinery  ;  juice  sweet,  and  luscious. 

*  EARLY  BLACK  JULY,  July  Grape,  Madeleine  Noire,  Maurillon  Hatif. 
The  earliest  of  grapes.     Bunches  small  and  compact ;   berries  small,  quite 
round,  of  a  black  colour,  covered  with  a  blue  bloom ;  flavour  moderately 
sweet,  but  not  rich  or  perfumed:   it  ripens  here  in  the  open  air  early  in 
August. 

*  ESPERIQNE,  Hardy  Blue  Windsor,  Turner's  Black,  Cumberland  Lodge. 
Buuqhes  handsomely  shouldered,  and  differing  little  in  size  from  the  Black 
Hamburgh  ;  skin  of  a  deep  purple  colour,  covered  with  a  thick  blue  bloom  ; 
flesh  adheres  to  the  skin,  and  is  of  a  pleasant  flavour  :  the  vine  is  very  prolific. 

GRIZZLY  FRQNTIQNAN,  Grizzly  Frontignac,  Muscat  Gris.  Bunches  middle 
size,  with  small  narrow  shoulders ;  berries  round,  of  medium  size ;  skin  thick, 
pale  brown,  blended  with  red  and  yellow;  flesh  very  rich,  musky,  and  high 
flavoured ;  this  is  one  of  the  best  varieties  for  the  vinery. 


DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  FOREIGN  GRAPES.  185 

LOMBARDY.  Flame-coloured  Tokay,  Red  Rhenish,  Wantage.  Bunches 
very  large,  frequently  weighing  six  or  seven  pounds,  being  from  twelve  to 
eighteen  inches  in  length ;  berries  large,  of  somewhat  oval  figure  ;  skin  of  a 
pale  red  or  flame  colour;  flesh  firm,  with  pretty  well-flavoured  juice:  this 
variety  requires  fire-heat  to  bring  it  to  perfection. 

*  MILLER'S  BURGUNDY,  Miller  Grape,    Le  Mennier,  Morillon   Taconne. 
Bunches  short,  thick,  and  compact ;   berries  small,  roundish,  very  closely  set 
together;  skin  thin,  with  fine  blue  bloom;  flesh  tender,  abounding  with  sweet, 
high-flavoured  juice  ;  each  berry  contains  two  small  seeds. 

*  PITMASTON'S  WHITE  CLUSTER.    A  pretty  hardy  English  variety.   Bunches 
of  medium  size,  compact,  and  shouldered ;  berries  middle  size,  round ;  skin 
thin,  light  amber  colour,  occasionally  shaded  with  russet  when  fully  ripe; 
flesh  tender,  juicy,  sweet,  and  excellent. 

t  RED  HAMBURGH,  Warner's  Red  Hamburgh,  Brown  Hamburgh,  Gibral- 
tar. The  berries  of  this  are  of  a  dark  red  or  purple  colour,  with  a  thin  skin, 
and  juicy,  delicate  flesh.  The  size  and  figure  of  both  the  bunch  and  the  berry 
are  very  much  like  the  Black  Hamburgh,  except  the  latter  being  less  oval, 
and  growing  more  loosely  on  the  bunches.  When  the  berries  are  imperfectly 
ripened,  they  are  of  a  pale  brown  colour,  hence  it  is  called  Brown  Ham- 
burgh. 

*  ROYAL  MUSCADINE,  Amber  Muscadine,  Early  White  TeneriJTe,  Golden 
Chasselas,   White  Chasselas.    Bunches  large  and  shouldered  ;  berries  round, 
larger  than  those  of  the  Sweetwater ;   skin  thin,  at  first  greenish  white,  but 
turning  to  an  amber  colour  when  fully  ripe :  flesh  tender,  and  of  a  rich  flavour. 

SYRIAN.  Bunches  enormously  large,  with  broad  shoulders;  berr'es  large, 
oval ;  skin  thick,  white  at  first,  but  amber  colour  when  fully  ripe  ;  flesh  firm, 
juicy,  and  sweet.  A  bunch  of  this  variety  was  gathered  in  Mr.  Speechly's 
vinery  at  Welbeck,  England,  four  feet  and  a  half  in  circumference,  weighing 
nineteen  pounds  and  a  half.  The  Syrian  grape  is  supposed  to  be  the  sort  meii- 
tioned  in  Numbers  xiii.  23. 

VF.RDELHO,  Verdal,  Verdilhio,  Madeira  Wine  Grape.  Bunches  rather 
small,  loose,  inclined  to  shoulder ;  berries  oval,  small,  rather  unequal  in  size; 
skin  thin,  almost  transparent;  juice,  when  fully  matured  in  the  vinery,  of  a 
rich  saccharine  flavour. 

WHITE  FRONTIGNAN,  White  Frontignac,  Muscat  blanc,  White  Constantia. 
Bunches  rather  long,  without  shoulders;  berries  middle  size,  round,  rather 
closely  set ;  skin  thin,  of  a  greenish  yellow,  covered  with  a  thin  bloom  ;  flesh 
tender,  very  rich,  and  of  a  high  musky  flavour,  when  cultivated  in  the  vinery. 

WHITE  HAMBURGH,  White  Raisin,  White  Portugal,  White  Lisbon,  Rai- 
sin Muscat.  Bunches  large,  loosely  formed  ;  berries  large,  of  an  oval  figure  ; 
skin  thick,  of  a  greenish  wiiite  colour;  flesh  hard;  juice  sweet,  and  slightly 
acid.  Bunches  of  3  Ibs.  weight  have  been  gathered,  in  vineries  near  Boston. 

WHITE  MUSCAT  OF  ALEXANDRIA,  Jerusalem  Muscat,  Passe  longue  Musque, 
Malaga,  Tottenham  Park  Muscat.  The  most  delicious  of  all  grapes,  but  re- 
quires to  be  grown  under  glass  in  this  climate.  Bunches  large,  and  well- 
shouldered ;  berries  large,  oval ;  skin  thick,  of  pale  amber  colour  when  fully 
ripe;  flesh  firm  ;  juice  of  a  sweet,  musky,  and  most  delicious  flavour. 

*  WHITE  MELIER,  Melier  blanc,  Early  While  Malvasia,  Early  Chasselas. 
Berries  middle  size,  somewhat  of  an  oval  figure;   colour  yellowish  white; 
flesh  sweet,  juicy,  and  agreeable  in  flavour:  ripens  in  August. 

WHITE  NICE.  Bunches  very  large,  with  loose  shoulders  :  berries  roundish, 
of  medium  size;  skin  greenish  white,  becoming  yellowish  when  ripe;  flesh 
crisp,  and  of  good  flavour.  Mr.  Mclntosh  has  gathered  from  his  vinery  in 
England  bunches  weighing  eighteen  pounds. 


186  DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  NATIVE  GRAPES. 

*  WHITE  SWEETWATER,  Early    White  Muscadine,  Early  Swectwattr. 
Bunches  middle  size;  berries  round,  growing  close;  skin  whitish,  sometimes 
shaded  with  a  light  russet ;  flesh  sweet,  watery,  saccharine,  and  luscious  :  the 
fruit  ripens  in  the  open  air  towards  the  end  of  August. 

*  WHITE  TOKAY,  Gray  Tokay,  Tokai  blanc.    Bunches  of  medium  size, 
compact ;  berries  oval,  closely  set ;  skin  dull  white  ;  flesh  very  delicate,  sweet, 
and  perfumed :  good  for  wine  and  for  the  dessert.    It  will  ripen  in  the  open  air. 


SELECT  DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  NATIVE  GRAPES. 

DIANA.  A  seedling  of  the  Catawba,  raised  by  Mrs.  Diana  Crehore,  of  Boston. 
Fruit  resembling  the  Catawba,  but  paler  in  colour;  bunches  loose;  berries 
round,  juicy,  and  fine  flavoured  :  it  ripens  two  weeks  earlier  than  the  parent. 

GILBERT'S  WHITE  SHONGA.  This  variety  was  found  by  Garret  Gilbert,  of  the 
city  of  New  York,  on  the  Shonga  Mountains  in  18-25,  and  planted  in  his  gar- 
den. It  is  a  great  bearer,  of  similar  habits  with  the  Isabella,  differing  from 
that  kind  only  in  colour,  and  coining  to  maturity  a  little  earlier. 

LENOIR,  Sumpter,  Clarence.  This  variety  was  introduced  by  Mr.  Lenoir, 
of  the  bantee  river,  Carolina.  Bunches  large,  very  handsome  :  berries  small, 
round  ;  skin  purple,  with  a  light  bloom  ;  flesh  tender,  sweet,  and  excellent. 

MISSOURI,  Missouri  Seedling.  Bunches  of  medium  size  ;  berries  small  and 
round  ;  skin  black,  with  a  little  bloom  ;  flesh  tender,  sweet,  and  pleasant. 

OHIO,  Segar  Box  Grape,  Longworth1  s  Ohio.  The  cuttings  from  which  Mr. 
Longworth's  first  stock  originated,  were  left  at  his  residence  by  an  unknown 
friend,  in  a  cigar  box.  Bunches  from  six  to  ten  inches  long;  berries  round 
and  small  ;  skin  thin,  purple  ;  flesh  tender  and  melting  :  a  good  dessert  fruit. 

SHURTLEFF'S  >EEDLING.  Raised  by  Dr.  S.  A.  ShurtleflT,  of  Pemberton  Hill, 
Boston.  Bunches  large,  often  weighing  a  pound;  berries  oval,  of  medium 
size  ;  skin  thick,  light  purple,  with  a  grayish  bloom  ;  flesh  firm,  and  of  excellent 
flavour:  the  fruit  is  fit  for  the  table  in  September. 

UCHEE  GRAPE.  A  native  grape  found  on  the  banks  of  the  Uchee  creek, 
Russell  county,  Alabama.  The  bunches  are  long,  very  compact,  and  of  a  jet 
black  colour  ;  the  berries  yield  but  little  juice,  which  is  extremely  rich,  and 
makes  delicious  wine  without  sugar. 

WHITE  SCQPPERNON.  Bunches  short  and  close  set;  berries  large,  of  a 
roundish  figure  ;  skin  white,  with  some  dark  specks  ;  juice  sweet  and  rich  :  it 
is  a  great  bearer,  ripening  its  fruit  early. 


Managers  of  the  American  Institute  having  at  their  nineteenth 
Annual  Fair,  held  at  Castle  Garden,  in  the  City  of  New  York,  awarded  pre- 
miums for  Native  Wine,  I  here  insert  a  copy  of  the  Judges'  Report. 

"Report  on  Native   Wine  tested  October  21s/,  1846,  by  C.  HENRY  HAUL, 
W.  NIBLO,  and  ADONIRAM  CHANDLER,  Committee  of  Judges  on  Wine." 

The  five  kinds  of  wine  described  below,  were  sent  by  Mr.  N.  Longworth, 
of  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  to  whom  a  Silver  Cup  was  awarded. 

"  No.  ].—  A  fine  light  wine,  called  '  Ladies'  Wine,'  with  sugar  added  before 
fermentation  ;  delicious  in  flavour,  and  will  compete  with  foreign  sweet  wine. 

"  No.  2.—  A  light  dry  wine,  from  the  Catawba  grape:  sound,  of  peculiar 
flavour,  resembling  that  of  Hock  and  of  the  Bouquet. 

"  No.  3.—  A  good  dry  wine,  of  pure  juice,  different  vintage  from  the  last 
described,  but  good  sound  wine,  although  not  high  flavoured. 

"  No.  4.  —  A  dry  wine  .from  the  pure  juice  of  the  Herbebont  Grape.  It  is 
sound,  of  the  peculiar  flavour  of  the  grape,  and  will  without  doubt  be  admired 


DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  PEACHES.  187 

"  No.  5.— From  the  Missouri  Grape,  five  per  cent,  brandy.  The  wine  is  thin 
in  body,  and  wanting  flavour,  perhaps  arising  from  our  not  having  had  a  fair 
chance  of  tasting  it  at  perfection,  it  having  been  recently  shaken  up." 

A  Silver  Medal  was  awarded  for  each  of  the  bottles  described  below. 

A  bottle  of  wine  furnished  by  Mr.  T.  L.  Prevost,  Greenville,  Greene  county, 
was  tested,  which  was  represented  to  be  four  years  old.  "A  sort  of  Hock,  of 
fine  flavour,  but  in  a  state  of  fermentation,  the  sugar  not  being  dissolved  and 
the  spirit  formed." 

A  bottle  from  Mr.  Charles  Peabody,  made  by  him  from  a  native  grape  found 
on  the  banks  of  the  Uchee  creek,  in  Russell  county,  Alabama,  was  pronounced 
by  the  judges,  "  a  pleasant  wine,  sweet,  like  Malmsey,  and  if  no  sugar  has 
been  added  to  the  juice,  as  is  represented,  it  is  remarkable  in  its  character." 

It  is  recorded  in  the  Southern  Cultivator,  "that  some  of  the  most  celebrated 
wine  connoisseurs  of  Columbus,  describe  the  wine  made  from  the  Uchee 
Grape  as  having  the  body  of  Port,  with  a  little  of  the  Muscat  flavour,  and 
equal  to  the  best  imported." 


SELECT  DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  PEACHES, 

Continued  from  page  110,  Part  III. 

BALTIMORE  BEAUTY.  A  native  variety.  Fruit  rather  small,  roundish  oval ; 
skin  deep  orange,  with  a  rich  brilliant  red  cheek ;  flesh  yellow,  but  red  at  the 
stone,  sweet,  and  very  good.  Ripens  early  in  August. 

BKRGEN'S  YELLOW.  A  native  of  Long  Island.  Fruit  large,  often  measuring 
nine  inches  in  circumference  ;  skin  deep  orange,  with  dark  red  cheek  ;  flesh 
deep  yellow,  melting,  juicy,  and  delicious.  Ripens  early  in  September. 

COLES  EARLY  RED.  A  good  early  market  fruit  of  medium  size  ;  skjjn  pale 
red,  mottled  with  darker  red  ;  flesh  melting,  juicy,  rich,  and  very  sprightly. 

DRUID  HILL.  A  seedling  peach,  raised  by  Lloyd  N.  Rogers,  of  Druid  Hill, 
near  Baltimore.  Fruit  very  large,  roundish  ;  skin  greenish  white,  clouded  with 
red  ;  flesh  juicy,  melting,  and  rich  :  towards  the  end  of  September. 

EARLY  YORK,  Large  Early  York.  Fruit  of  medium  size,  roundish  ;  skin 
pale  red,  dotted  and  mottled  with  dark  red  ;  flesh  greenish  white,  full  of  rich 
sprightly  juice.  Ripens  towards  the  end  of  August. 

EARLY  NEWJNGTO.V  FREESTONE,  Newington  Peach-  A  large  and  exceed- 
ingly high-flavoured  peach  ;  skin  pale  yellowish  white,  dotted  and  mottled  with 
a  rich  red;  flesh  white,  but  red  at  the  stone;  juicy  and  melting :  end  of  August. 

HAINES'  EARLY  RED.  A  popular  orchard  fruit  in  New  Jersey,  of  medium 
size  ;  skin  pale  white,  nearly  covered  with  bright  red  ;  flesh  greenish  white, 
very  juicy,  sweet,  and  melting.  Ripe  about  the  middle  of  August. 

LA  GRANGE.  A  late  peach,  raised  by  Mr.  John  Hulse,  Burlington,  N.  J. 
Fruit  large,  oblong;  skin  greenish  white,  tinged  with  red  ;  flesh  juicy,  melting, 
and  delicious.  Ripe  towards  the  end  of  September. 

OLDMLXON  FREESTONE,  Oldmixon  Clearstone.  A  large  American  peach, 
slightly  oval ;  skin  pale  yellowish  white,  marbled  with  deep  red ;  flesh  white, 
and  tender,  with  a  rich  vinous  flavour :  early  in  September. 

POOL'S  LARGE  YELLOW,  Pool's  Late  Yellow  Freestone.  A  large  and  hand- 
some Pennsylvania  peach  of  the  Melocoton  family  ;  skin  deep  yellow,  with  a 
dark  red  cheek ;  flesh  juicy,  and  of  excellent  flavour :  late  in  September. 

RARERIPE,  Late  Red,  Prince's  Red  Rareripe.  One  of  the  finest  of  all 
peaches.  Fruit  large  and  heavy,  roundish  oval ;  skin  downy,  pale  yellow, 
thickly  marbled  with  red  and  fawn  coloured  specks  ;  flesh  white,  but  deep  red 
at  the  stone  ;  very  juicy,  melting,  and  of  an  unusually  rich  flavour.  Ripe  the 
second  and  third  week  in  September. 


188  DESCRIPTIVE    LIST    OF    PEARS. 

SELECT  DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  PEARS, 

Continued  from  page  123,  Part  III. 

BEURRE  D'ANJOU.  A  first-rate  Autumn  pear,  imported  from  France  by  Col. 
Wilder,  of  Boston  :  fruit  rather  above  medium  size  ;  obovate  ;  skin  greenish 
yellow,  a  little  clouded  with  russet ;  flesh  very  fine  grained,  buttery,  and  melt- 
ing, witli  a  rich,  sprightly  vinous  flavour. 

BEZI  DE  LA  MOTTE,  Bein  Armudi,  Beurre  Blanc  de  Jersey.  Fruit  of 
medium  size,  bergamot  shaped,  skin  pale  yellowish  green,  sprinkled  with  rus- 
set dots  ;  flesh  white,  very  fine  grained,  buttery  and  juicy,  with  a  sweet  per- 
fumed flavour:  an  old  Autumn  variety,  ripe  in  October. 

BISHOP'S  THUMB.  An  old  English  Autumn  pear,  usually  considered  first- 
rate  :  fruit  rather  large,  oblong  and  narrow ;  skin  yellowish  green,  dotted  with 
russet,  and  tinged  with  red  ;  flesh  juicy,  melting,  and  of  rich  vinous  flavour. 

BON  CHRETIEN  FONDANTE.  A  new  Flemish  pear,  abounding  with  juice, 
and  having  a  refreshing  and  agreeable  flavour  ;  skin  pale  green,  mottled,  and 
dotted  with  russet :  ripe  in  October. 

BUFFUM.  A  native  orchard  pear,  from  Rhode  Island,  of  the  Doyenne  fami- 
ly :  fruit  of  medium  size,  oblong,  ovate  ;  skin  deep  yellow,  finely  suffused  with 
bright  red,  and  russet  dots;  flesh  sweet,  and  excellent :  ripe  in  September. 

COMPTE  DE  LAMY,  Beurre  Curie,  Dingier,  Marie  Louise  the  Second.  A 
rich  Flemish  Autumn  pear,  of  medium  size,  roundish  obovate  ;  skin  yellow, 
with  a  brownish  red  cheek,  and  russety ;  flesh  melting  and  high  flavoured. 

DUCHESSE  DE  MARS,  Duchess  of  Mars.  A  French  autumn  pear  of  medium 
size,  obovate ;  skin  dull  yellow,  partially  covered  with  brown  russet,  with  a. 
dull  red  cheek  ;  flesh  very  melting,  and  of  a  rich  perfumed  flavour. 

DUNMORE.  A  truly  admirable  and  hardy  pear  from  the  garden  of  the  London 
Horticultural  Society.  Fruit  large,  oblong  obovate ;  skin  greenish,  speckled 
with  russet ;  flesh  buttery,  melting,  and  rich  :  ripe  in  September. 

EYEWOOD.  A  hardy  and  prolific  seedling  of  Mr.  Knight's.  Fruit  of  me- 
dium size,  oblate  or  flattened  ;  skin  much  covered  with  russet ;  flesh  buttery, 
rich,  and  melting  :  in  October  and  November. 

FONDANTE  VAN  MONS.  An  excellent  melting  pear,  introduced  by  Mr.  Man- 
ning. Fruit  of  medium  size,  roundish ;  skin  pale  yellow  ;  flesh  white,  juicy, 
sweet,  and  palatable :  towards  the  end  of  October. 

JALOUSIE  DE  FONTENAY  VENDEE.  A  fine  autumn  French  pear,  of  medium 
size;  turbinate,  or  obtuse  pyriform ;  skin  dull  yellow,  and  green,  with  red 
cheek,  marked  with  russet ;  flesh  melting,  with  a  rich  flavoured  juice. 

LAWRENCE.  A  seedling  winter  pear,  from  the  nursery  of  Messrs.  Wilcomb 
&  King,  Flushing.  Fruit  rather  large,  obovate  ;  skin  yellowish  green,  with 
patches  of  brown  ;  flesh  melting,  and  rich  :  from  November  to  January. 

PARADISE  D'AUTOMNE.  A  newly  imported  early  autumn  pear,  of  large 
size;  pyriform,  tapering  into  the  stalk;  skin  dull  yellow,  russeted;  flesh  white, 
fine  grained,  melting,  and  luscious. 

PETRE.  This  fine  autumn  variety,  originated  in  the  old  Bartram  Botanic 
Garden,  near  Philadelphia,  from  a  seed  furnished  by  Lord  Petre  of  London, 
in  1735.  Fruit  of  medium  size, obovate  ;  skin  pale  yellow,  marked  with  green- 
ish russet ;  flesh  fine  grained,  and  melting,  with  a  perfumed  high  flavour. 

QUEEN  OF  THE  Low  COUNTRIES,  Reine  des  Pays  Bas.  Fruit  large,  broad 
pyriform  ;  skin  dull  yellow,  mottled  with  russet,  and  overspread  with  fine  dark 
red  ;  flesh  melting,  with  a  rich  sub-acid  vinous  flavour:  early  in  October. 

ROSTIEZER.  A  German  pear  of  medium  size  ;  oblong  pyriform  ;  skin  yel- 
lowish green,  with  reddish  brown  cheek,  and  light  coloured  dots;  flesh  juicy, 
melting,  sweet,  and  palatable:  in  September  and  October. 

ST.  GHISLAIN.    An  excellent  Belgium  autumn  pear,  introduced  by  S  G.  Per- 


DESCRIPTIVE    LIST   OP    PLUMS  189 

kins,  Esq.,  of  Boston.  Fruit  of  medium  size,  pyriform  ;  skin  pale  yellow,  with 
a  few  gray  specks ;  flesh  white,  buttery,  juicy,  and  of  a  rich  sprightly  flavour. 

THOMPSON.  This  fine  autumn  pear  was  named  in  honour  of  Mr.  Robert 
Thompson,  Superintendent  of  the  London  Horticultural  Society's  garden. 
Fruit  of  medium  size,  obovate ;  skin  pale  lemon-yellow,  dotted  and  streaked 
with  russet ;  flesh  white,  buttery,  and  melting,  with  an  agreeable  aromatic 
flavour:  tree  hardy  and  prolific,  producing  its  fruit  in  October  and  November. 

VAN  MONS  LEON  LE  CLERC.  A  splendid  autumn  pear,  imported  by  Col. 
Wilder  of  Boston.  Fruit  large,  oblong-ovate ;  skin  yellowish,  mingled  with 
brown  ;  flesh  yellowish  white,  rich,  and  melting :  in  October  and  November. 

VAN  BUREN.  A  seedling  raised  by  Gov.  Edwards  of  New  Haven.  Fruit 
large,  obovate ;  skin  clear  yellow,  with  a  rich  orange-red  blush,  and  russet 
spots ;  flesh  sweet,  and  perfumed ;  excellent  for  baking  and  preserving. 

SELECT  DESCRIPTIVE  LIST  OF  PLUMS, 

Continued  from  page  131,  Part  III. 

AUTUMN  GAGE,  Roe's  Autumn  Gage-  A  new  late  plum,  raised  by  William 
Roe,  Esq.,  of  Newburgh.  Fruit  of  medium  size,  oval ;  skin  pale  yellow,  with 
whitish  bloom  ;  flesh  juicy,  and  of  delicate  pleasant  flavour :  in  September. 

BUEL'S  FAVOURITE.  An  excellent  clingstone  plum,  raised  by  Isaac  Dennis- 
ton,  of  Albany.  Fruit  pretty  large,  ovate ;  skin  pale  green,  sprinkled  with 
lighter  dots,  and  a  little  red  ;  flesh  juicy,  and  high  flavoured  :  end  of  August. 

CRUGER'S  SCARLET,  Cruger's  Seedling.  A  seedling  raised  by  Henry  Cruger, 
Esq.,  of  New  York.  Fruit  rather  larger  than  the  Green  Gage,  roundish  oval ; 
skin  a  lively  red  covered  with  thin  blue  bloom ;  flesh  of  a  sprightly  flavour. 

DAMSON,  Common  Damson,  Purple  Damson,  Black  Damson.  A  favourite 
fruit  with  old  housekeepers  for  preserves,  of  which  there  are  many  varieties, 
which  from  being  frequently  raised  from  seed  varies  somewhat  in  character 
They  ripen  in  succession  from  September  to  November. 

DENNISTON'S  SUPERB.  Fruit  round,  a  little  flattened ;  skin  yellowish  green, 
with  purple  blotches,  overspread  with  a  thin  bloom ;  flesh  very  thick,  juicy, 
with  a  rich  vinous  flavour :  a  freestone,  ripening  towards  the  end  of  August. 

ICKWORTH  IMPERATRICE,  Knight's  No.  6.  A  choice  seedling  from  Mr. 
Knight  of  Downton  Castle.  Fruit  above  medium  size,  obovate ;  skin  purple, 
embroidered  with  streaks  of  golden  fawn  colour ;  flesh  juicy  and  rich  :  it  ripens 
early  in  October,  and  may  be  kept  till  Christmas  if  laid  away  in  paper. 

ISABELLA.  An  attractive  looking  English  clingstone  plum  of  medium  size ; 
skin  dark  red  in  the  sun,  paler  in  the  shade,  and  dotted;  flesh  yellow, rich, 
juicy,  and  of  delicious  flavour :  towards  the  end  of  August. 

JEFFERSON.  A  plum  of  high  merit,  raised  by  the  late  Judge  Buel.  Fruit 
large,  oval ;  skin  golden  yellow,  with  a  purplish  red  cheek,  covered  with  a  tliin 
bloom :  flesh  rich,  juicy,  and  high  flavoured  :  towards  the  end  of  August. 

LOMBARD,  Bleecker's  Scarlet,  Beekman's  Scarlet.  This  variety  waa 
brought  into  notice  by  Mr.  Lombard,  of  Springfield,  Massachusetts.  Fruit  of 
medium  size,  roundish  oval ;  skin  delicate  violet,  dotted  with  red ;  flesh  yellow, 
juicy,  and  pleasant :  in  August. 

ORANGE  PLUM,  Orange  Gage.  A  plum  of  extraordinary  size  from  the  gar- 
den of  Mr.  Teller,  of  Rhinebeck,  New  York.  Skin  bronze  yellow,  clouded 
with  purple ;  flesh  deep  yellow,  a  little  coarse  grained,  but  of  a  pleasant  acid 
flavour :  ripens  the  last  of  August. 

PURPLK  FAVOURITE.  This  variety  was  first  introduced  by  A.  J.  Downing, 
Esq.,  of  the  Newburgh  Nursery.  Fruit  above  medium  size,  roundish  ovate ; 
skin  light  brown  in  the  shade,  purple  in  the  sun,  dotted  with  golden  specks, 
and  thin  light  bloom ;  flesh  pale  green,  very  juicy,  tender,  luscious,  and  melt- 
ing :  ripens  towards  the  last  of  August. 


AMERICAN  STANDARD  HORTICULTURAL  BOOKS. 


The  Young  Gardener's  Assistant,    containing 

Catalogues  of  Garden  and  Flower  Seed,  with  Practical 
Directions  under  each  head  for  the  Cultivation  of  Culi- 
nary Vegetables  and  Flowers ;  also,  directions  for  culti- 
vating Fruit  Trees,  Shrubs,  and  Vines,  including  the 
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improved,  520  pages  octavo.  By  T.  BRIDGEMAN, 
Gardener,  Seedsman,  and  Florist :  New- York. 


55"  As  each  part  of  the  above  Work  makes  a  complete  volume,  a 
large  Edition  has  been  published  in  three  separate  books,  with  a  view 
to  accommodate  the  different  description  of  cultivators.  They  are 
entitled  as  follows  : — 

The   Kitchen  Gardener's  Instructor ;    which 

contains  ample  directions  for  the  cultivation  of  Culinary 
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and  instructions  for  Forcing  and  Forwarding  Vegetables 
in  winter  and  early  in  the  spring. 

The  Florist's  Guide,  contains  all  the  necessary 
information  for  managing  a  Flower  Garden,  and  for 
cultivating  Exotic  Plants,  either  in  a  Gieenhouse,  or 
warm  room. 

The  Fruit  Cultivator's  Manual,  is  designed  to 

qualify  the  novice  in  Fruit  Culture  for  the  superintend- 
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Each  of  the  above  Volumes  contains  176  pages,  12mo.  Price  Fifty 
Cents,  half  bound;  Sixty-two  Cents,  full  bound. 


Booksellers  and  Seedsmen  supplied  on  liberal 
terms,  by  the  Author,  Broadway,  corner  of  Eighteenth 
Street,  New- York. 


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